Chennai: Stakes are high that governance will eventually slip into BJP hands despite Congress winning majority at polls, said DMK offering to grant only half the previous number of seats to Congress for Assembly elections this time. The resignation of Congress MLAs in Puthucherry for defecting over to BJP, has triggered wide debates in Tamil Nadu. DMK leaders also cited Bihar to express fears that more seats to Congress could lead to defeat of the coalition as a whole. The decision came about at a meeting in Chennai attended by Congressmen including former Kerala CM, Oomen Chandy.
Congress that contested 41 seats in polls last time demanded 45 for upcoming elections. DMK however was firm on a reduced number of 20 this time. While DMK bagged 89 of the 178 seats they battled last time, Congress victory was limited to just 8 from the 41 contested. Incidentally, MK Stalin is touring across constituencies with slogan “Stalin In Your Constituency” and according to sources, the DMK decision follows feedbacks received along the campaign.
Following DMK stand, the meeting split up without arriving at consensus. DMK informed that it would discuss matters with its other allies comprising CPI(M), CPI, VCK and MDMK before another round of talks with Congress.
The meeting was held at DMK headquarters of Anna Arivalayam. Apart from Oomen Chandy, Congress delegates comprised Randeep Singh Surajwala, Deinesh Gundurao and TNCCC president KS Aazhagiri. DMK delegation included the General Secretary Duraimurugan, Tresurer TR Blau and Women’s wig Secretary Kannimozhi.
