Chennai: Almost all the political parties have firmed up alliances and are giving finishing touches to the poll manifestos apart from identifying constituencies to be contested and candidates to be fielded. Even the Indian National Congress, often ridiculed by the Dravidian majors — at times even on the floor of the state Assembly — as a dispensable burden has been called for ‘talks’ by the DMK and hopes to get close to 30 seats. In the midst of this flurry of feverish pre-poll preparation, The Tamil Maanila Congress stands out as a sore thumb, silent as a deserted suitor.
But then, things are not really that bad in the TMC camp as its leader G. K. Vasan has been going around the state addressing public meetings and meeting party cadres even while hoping his robust energy would attract the attention of prospective partners. Speculation has been rife that the former Union minister is in ‘informal contact’ with the AIADMK.
“We are comfortable thinking that we will be with the AIADMK. We think that the AIADMK too is comfortable being with us”, said a TMC senior. “This alliance will ultimately come through but I cannot predict our seats at the moment”, he added, requesting anonymity.
“We are the real Congress as far as Tamil Nadu is concerned as we are the party nurtured by the late Moopanar. Most of the Congress cadres are with us. If the DMK thought it fit to talk alliance with the Congress and offer them over 20 seats, should we not hope for something better from the AIADMK? We are sure she (Jayalalithaa) will treat us with some respect”, he said.
According to another TMC functionary, the signals from the AIADMK indicated that Amma would call Vasan for alliance talks after completing with the uthiri-katchigal, meaning the midget outfits such as Tamizhaga Valvurimai Katchi of Velmurugan, Indian Democratic Party of Sekku Tamilarasan, Kongu Naadu Ilaignar Peravai, AIFB and actor Sarath Kumar’s AISMK. “We hear she will distribute ten to eleven seats among these little parties and thereafter open talks with us. We are hoping we will get at least 15 seats”, he said.
While such uncertainty hovers thick over his party, Vasan has called for a press conference at his Eldams Road office in south Chennai on Tuesday morning. With the TMC losing its ‘Cycle’ symbol to Samajwadi Party, he will announce the symbol his party would be fighting the May 16 polls, sources said.
They said Vasan is most likely to stand under a coconut tree. In neighbouring Kerala, the Malayalees revere the coconut tree as the Tree of Life. However, one TMC senior reportedly advised Vasan against making the announcement at the inauspicious morning hour that falls under the Kettai Nakshathram (star) and suffers from Marana Yogam; besides, Tuesday is considered unlucky.
