DMDK gets 14 seats in alliance with BJP

Chennai: The BJP heaved a sigh of relief as it could finally reach a deal with actor-politician Vijayakanth's DMDK for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu. After more than three weeks of acrimony, the two sides agreed on March 15 on the number of seats -- 14 for the DMDK.

The differences between the two sides were resolved after BJP high command intervened and Narendra Modi had to speak on the phone to make a personal request to Vijayakanth and agree on a couple of changes in his wish-list.

The DMDK has also agreed to work with the PMK and the MDMK as part of the alliance.

DMDK youth wing secretary L.K. Sudheesh, brother-in-law of Vijayakanth said the party would contest 14 seats as part of the alliance.

Sudheesh said a problem seat was Tirupur which both the BJP and the DMDK wanted. However, on March 15 Vijayakanth agreed to give up the seat and take Tiruchi instead.

Sudheesh said the constituencies of Arani, Arakkonam, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri, which were sought by both the DMDK and the PMK had to be mutually adjusted.

The DMDK had to give up its claim for Kancheepuram (Reserved) and Chennai (Central), Sudheesh added.

Meanwhile, BJP State president Pon Radhakrishnan said some “give and take” was still required to finalise the allotment of seats among all the partners. The BJP will contest eight seats, and the MDMK seven.

The PMK will contest eight seats and the Kongu Nadu Makkal Desiya Katchi and the Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) get one seat each.