DMK releases first list of 35 candidates

CHENNAI/NEW DELHI: The Dravida Munnettra Kahagam chief M Karunanidhi on Monday unveiled list of 35 candidates for the general elections, which included 2G scam tainted former ministers A Raja and Dayanidhi Maran, while M Karunanidhi’s rebellious son Alagiri and his supporters where left out.

The DMK move also means Congress bid to forge an alliance with M Karuinandhi’s party has fallen through. The DMK candidates’ list also includes one for Sivaganga, the constituency represented by Finance Minister P Chidambaram.

Within minutes of DMK naming candidates, senior Congress leaders from Tamil Nadu expressed anguish with the way AICC conducted alliance talks.

While releasing the list, party chief Karunandhi said, “there would be changes in the list if need be”. Whether that was a hint for Congress or Alagiri remains a matter of speculation. As of now, AICC spokesperson Shakheel Ahmed said, “there is no possibility of any alliance in Tamil Nadu.”

By deciding to fieldA Raja and Dayanidhi Maran, DMK has advertised it would brazen out on the 2G spectrum allegations against the two. The duo had quit the Union Cabinet following allegations and Raja even served a term in jail before he got bail. The decision to stand by Raja also shows the DKM leadership was political sensitivity vis-à-vis the significant Dalit population in the state.

In thecase of Maran getting a seat again, Karunandhi’s family’s larger political interest stands advertised. The decision to omit Alagiri and supporters from the list triggered speculation as to whether Karunandhi had actually given up on his son.