AIADMK invites applications for 40 seats in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

Interestingly the AIADMK maintained silence over the vacant 20 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. 

A statement from the party headquarters signed by joint coordinator Edappadi K Palaniswami and coordinator O Panneerselvam invited applications from aspirants setting in motion its election work. The application forms will be available from February 4 to February 10. Those seeking an election ticket can pay a sum of Rs 25,000 towards application cost, the statement added. The statement had no reference about by-polls pending in 20 constituencies and the delayed civic polls. 

“The clock is ticking for the BJP, which is clueless about its potential allies and most of our party leaders including ministers are against an alliance with the BJP,” an AIADMK district secretary told DTNext. “The voice against an alliance with BJP is growing louder. Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai and senior leader C Ponnaiyan have already opined their views and others will follow. However, the final decision will be taken by party convenor O Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami,” the senior party functionary said. 

“The clock is ticking for the BJP, which is clueless about its potential allies and most of our party leaders including ministers are against an alliance with the BJP,” an AIADMK district secretary told DTNext. “The voice against an alliance with BJP is growing louder. Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai and senior leader C Ponnaiyan have already opined their views and others will follow. However, the final decision will be taken by party convenor O Panneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami,” the senior party functionary said. 

AIADMK leader Thambidurai has exuded confidence in repeating the party’s performance as late leader Jayalalithaa’s legacy continues. Charismatic AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, who was convicted in a disproportionate assets case passed away in December 2016. Tamil Nadu has 39 Lok Sabha segments while Puducherry has one. The party has also been suffering factional feud post the demise of Jayalalithaa.