DMDK entitled to seek double-digit seats, says Premallatha

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant on Sunday said the party had completed formation of booth committees in all the 234 Assembly constituencies and was, therefore, entitled to seek a double-digit number of seats (from parties heading alliances).

On the sidelines of a party event in Rajakkamangalam in Kanniyakumari district, she asked, “If all other parties are asking for double-digit seats, why not the DMDK?”

Asked by The Hindu whether Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s entry would affect the vote bank of the DMDK, given that TVK founder Vijay is also from the film industry, Ms. Premallatha said the cadre of all parties were working for their respective parties, and the impact on the vote bank could not be assessed right now.

Referring to the Tamil saying ‘Makkal Theerppey Magesan Theerppu’ (The voice of the people is the voice of the God), she said, “we have to wait and see” for the results and its impact.

She said DMDK MLAs had raised the issue of the Nandhan canal project a decade ago. About 10 days ago, when her son and party functionary Vijaya Prabhakaran visited Villupuram and Kallakurichi constituencies, he also spoke about the project.

“Finally, day before yesterday, the Tamil Nadu government allocated ₹42 crore for the project,” she said, adding that the the DMDK welcomed the initiative.

On welfare schemes implemented by the State government, she commented that a majority of the people in Tamil Nadu lived below poverty line, and the schemes and the grants provided by the current government helped in improving their lives. “Naturally, such initiatives should be welcomed,” she said.

Ms. Premallatha further noted that once the alliance structure and constituencies allocated for the DMDK were finalised, the party would announce the candidates, adding that everyone in the DMDK was a star candidate.