TN Cong in knots over ties with DMK

The alliance with DMK is yet to be firmed up, but TNCC leaders are already at each other’s throats, with one set accusing the other of ...

The alliance with DMK is yet to be firmed up, but TNCC leaders are already at each other’s throats, with one set accusing the other of trying to sabotage the proposed alliance by seeking a ‘‘disproportionate’’ seat share.

Sources say the bone of contention is TNCC president G.K. Vasan camp’s decision to demand 20 seats from the DMK during the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The number was reportedly decided at a meeting convened by Vasan last week. Only his supporters attended the meeting.

Significantly, while the Vasan camp is seen as the pro-AIADMK lobby, the rival faction headed by former chief E.V.K.S. Elangovan, considered pro-DMK, had been kept out. Predictably, the Elangovan camp was fuming.

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‘‘We don’t know what is the rationale behind the demand for 20 seats? Still the word is around and could jeopardise the very process of alliance formation,’’ said a leader.

‘‘What has happened so far is only a phone call from Soniaji to Karunanidhi. The question of number of seats can be taken up only by Soniaji’s emissaries,’’ Elangovan loyalists say.

‘‘We know it is for them to decide on the number of seats. But what is wrong in making a suggestion?’’ a Vasan loyalist countered.