Panels to iron out seat-sharing issues, DMK to share spare seats

The Congress and DMK are in talks to strengthen their alliance for the forthcoming polls in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Congress general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad met DMK chief minister M Karunanidhi, recuperating from a spinal surgery, at his home on Monday. Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik, former union IT minister Dayanidhi Maran (DMK) and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi (DMK) were present at the meeting. The parties decided to carry forward their "strong" alliance. Election committees of both parties will decide the process of seat sharing and other issues.

"The Congress-DMK alliance is one of the most successful alliances of the UPA. This alliance will grow stronger and I'm sure we will repeat the 40 out of 40 that we achieved last time," Azad told reporters.

The DMK leaders also sounded happy. "The DMK has formed a poll committee led by party treasurer MK Stalin to coordinate seat-sharing," Kanimozhi said.

Dayanidhi Maran said, "It was on May 13, 2004 that we won all 40 seats the last time... it augurs well that polls this time will be held on May 13. We are open to sharing spare seats (following withdrawal of the Left and MDMK) and the committee will take a call."

D Ram Raj/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication