DMK, Congress talks remain inconclusive, no deal yet on numbers

Chennai: The talks held by AICC observer Ghulam Nabi Azad with DMK chief M Karunanidhi in Chennai on March 25 were inconclusive as no immediate solution could be found on the number of seats to be contested by the Congress as part of the alliance with the DMK for the May 16 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

Azad declined to indicate the number of seats sought by the Congress and the DMK response to their demands. He agreed that numbers were discussed but there was no deal yet.

Azad told mediapersons shortly after the meeting at Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence, “We have not firmed up the numbers. The DMK will take some time to consider the numbers. The Congress will also discuss the matter internally. May be, at the second round of talks, we may be able to finalise the number of seats to be contested by Congress.”  

Azad said they had mainly discussed the status of the alliance and reviewed the entry of several parties into the front.  
He said one or two more parties may join the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.

During the talks, DMK leaders M K Stalin, Durai Murugan and Kanimozhi were present. On behalf of the Congress, AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik, TNCC president E V K S Elangovan and CLP leader Gopinath attended the meeting.