PMK has its task cut out, to face DMK in six seats

CHENNAI: Just weeks after holding parleys with the DMK to join its alliance, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) finds itself pitted against the party in at least six of the seven Lok Sabha seats it is contesting. In the seventh seat too, Villupuram, the PMK faces a VCK candidate contesting on the DMK’s rising sun symbol.

The PMK finds itself in such a situation after almost a decade. In the 2009 elections it had contested 6 seats as part of the AIADMK alliance, and lost all — five to the DMK and one, Chidambaram (reserved), to the VCK.

A decade later, it remained the most sought-after partner for both the AIADMK and the DMK. While the PMK leadership held talks with both the parties, party founder S Ramadoss decided to opt for AIADMK, even though his son and party youth wing leader, Anbumani Ramadoss, preferred an alliance with the DMK.

The AIADMK was more than happy to welcome the PMK into its fold and even offered it the most seats in the alliance, more than BJP, on a first-come-first-served basis. But, a fortnight later, the PMK finds itself on a sticky wicket, having to face a tough battle against the DMK.

However, a PMK spokesman sought to dismiss it as something normal in electoral politics. “There is nothing to worry about. The DMK is only promoting dynastic politics. We are happy with the seats we got and we will perform very well,” the spokesman said.

Political analyst M Kasinathan feels the heat is already on for the PMK. “At least in 2009, the PMK managed to get seats only in its stronghold. But, now it has been given Dindigul and Central Chennai, where it has very little presence. It is going to war with its hands tied in these two seats,” he said.