Amidst the recent developments in the DMDK, the ruling AIADMK has gone ahead in the election campaign by announcing its candidates. Wednesday saw the party’s district level leaders and candidates assembling at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai to work out the campaign strategy. Party supremo Jayalalithaa has released her campaign schedule which starts on Saturday at Chennai and ends in Vellore on May 12. Jayalalithaa will address election rallies in all districts of the State as well as in Pudussery.
The turmoil in the DMDK got murkier on Wednesday with the ousted propaganda secretary V Chandra Kumar alleging that Premalatha, wife of party founder Vijayakant, has hijacked the party and the decision to align with the People’s Welfare Front was taken by her much against the wishes of the Captain (as Vijayakant is addressed by the cadre).
“Vijayakant had told all party workers during the interviews for selecting candidates for the upcoming Assembly election that talks were on with the DMK for forging an alliance. But it was Premalatha and her family members who initiated the talks with the PWF and forged the alliance with the four-party outfit much to the anguish of Vijayakant,” charged Chandra Kumar, who was expelled from the DMDK by Vijayakant on Tuesday along with two MlAs and six district secretaries for anti-party activities.
The rebels had given an ultimatum to Vijayakant come out of the PWF and forge an alliance with the DMK by Wednesday noon. Following the failure of the party leadership to respond to their demand, Chandra Kumar and other expelled functionaries convened a press meet and announced that they would take the future course of action in the next two days.
Chandra Kumar blamed Anni (elder sister, as Premalatha is addressed by the party cadre) for the decision to form an alliance with the PWF. “She was the one who held discussions with the PWF leaders. Captain had no role in it,” charged Chandra Kumar, who was also the chief whip of the DMDK.
Rattled by the revolt, all senior functionaries of the party and the rest of the MlAs had gathered at the DMDK head quarters from Wednesday morning itself. Elangovan, senior spokesman of the party alleged that Chandra Kumar and others have been purchased by the DMK leadership. “It was Chandra Kumar whop personally typed the letter of agreement which was signed by Captain and other PWF leaders. He had declared in a public meeting jointly held by the DMDK and the PWF on March 30 that he would do anything to ensure that Captain defeats both the AIADMK and the DMK,” said Elangovan.
While the leaders and rebels were trading charges and counter charges, Anbumani Ramadoss, the chief ministerial candidate of the PMK, chipped in with an interesting observation. “Though Vijayakant was declared as the chief ministerial candidate of the PWF on March 13, he has not been seen around since then. The public has a right to know where their chief ministerial candidate has gone,” said Ramadoss amidst reports that Vijayakant has not made any public appearance since March 13.
leaders of the PWF, in a show of solidarity with the DMDK, charged the DMK’s first family for the recent developments. “Karunanidhi is behind these incidents. He has purchased leaders belonging to other political parties to destroy any kind of opposition to his party and the chosen heir, M K Stalin. He tried his best to finish off the MDMK. Having failed in that attempt he is targeting DMDK,” said Vaiko, the PWF convener.