Seat identification process to be over in 2-3 days: Stalin

Addressing reporters here, the DMK leader said a detailed discussion will be held with the leaders of the Congress and other alliance partners on the allocation of constituencies. The party, which has retained 20 seats for itself, has allocated the remaining to its allies.

Stating that the Congress has not constituted a committee to decide on the constituencies, Stalin said, “When I contacted Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K S Alagiri, I was informed that it will be constituted by Friday night.”

“Congress leaders will be coming to DMK headquarters on Saturday (today) to discuss the allocation of seats to their candidates.”

He also said that after finalising the seat allocation with the Congress, announcement will be made periodically about the constituencies that would be contested by candidates from other allies.

When queried about the ongoing fracas between DMDK and DMK over forming an alliance, Stalin refused to comment and said party treasurer M Duraimurugan had already spoken in detail about it. “We do not want to waste our time by discussing the same,” he added. Earlier in the day, members of more than ten small parties including Vallarasu Forward Block, Perunthalaivar Makkal Katchi, Aadhi Thamilar Peravai, Vivasaya Thozhilalar Katchi, India Desiya Muslim League met Stalin at Anna Arivalayam and extended their support to the DMK alliance.

The DMK will organise a party district secretaries meeting on March 11 to discuss the preparations being undertaken for the upcoming General elections and bypolls to the 21 vacant Assembly constituencies in the State.

Meanwhile, hours after Stalin said the Congress is yet to form a committee to identify the constituencies for the Parliamentary polls, the national party constituted a three-member panel. The Congress committee members will reach the DMK headquarters on Saturday around 11 am to finalise the seats. DMK senior functionaries, including party treasurer Duraimurugan, is expected to participate in the discussion.