Chennai: In a move that will avert split in Opposition votes in the bypolls to three constituencies, Aravakurichi, Thanjavur and Thirupparankundram, PWA co-ordinator Vaiko on Saturday declared that the four-party formation would boycott the November 19 byelections.
As the PWA is the only formation, which has a presence in the three constituencies and have the ability to cut into the Opposition votes, the boycott decision would convert the bypoll battle into a straight fight between the AIADMK and DMK. The decision comes as a shot in the arm for the DMK, which accused the four-party formation of spoiling the DMK’s chances of winning the 2016 Assembly elections.
Vaiko, who made the announcement, after a meeting of MDMK office-bearers and consultation with leaders of VCK, CPM and CPI, asserted that bypolls would not be held in a democratic manner.
Explaining the decision, CPM state secretary G. Ramakrishnan said the elections to Aravakurichi and Thanjavur were postponed after the distribution of money to the voters by the AIADMK and DMK was proved. The Election Commission had not disqualified the two candidates and the two parties have fielded the same candidates, making the elections a farce. He added that the same reason holds water for Thirupparankundram also.
VCK was the first party to favour poll boycott with its leader Thol. Thirumavalavan stating that there is no likelihood of the PWA taking part in the byelections. Another PWA constituent CPI too took a decision to boycott the elections at its executive committee meeting.
Speaking to the media, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan said the election commission had failed to disqualify the candidates, involved in the distribution of money in the Assembly elections and they would only repeat their practice. The MDMK also decided to go along with the decision of the other constituencies at its office-bearers meeting on Saturday.
