DMDK's decision not a setback for DMK, says Stalin

Chennai: Putting up a brave face after his party’s sustained efforts to rope in the DMDK into an alliance failed, DMK Treasurer M K Stalin today said the DMDK’s decision to go alone was not a setback for his party. [caption id=“attachment_2665170” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of actor-turned politician Vijayakanth.[/caption] “Definitely, it (DMDK decision) is not a setback for us,” he told reporters. Stating that his party chief M Karunanidhi had extended an invite to the DMDK several times as it would be good (to take on the AIADMK), however, it is their right to accept or decline the invite, said Stalin. “It is their (DMDK’s) right (to decide). We cannot and will not like to interfere in their right,” he said. Ending the suspense, DMDK yesterday decided to go alone in the May 16 Assembly polls, which could result in a six-cornered contest with the others being AIADMK front, DMK-Cong, BJP, four party bloc PWF and PMK. DMDK leader and Vijaykanth’s wife Premalatha, however, said that like-minded parties that seek an alternative to both the AIADMK and DMK were welcome to hold talks with the party chief. The invite is seen as an olive branch to both the BJP and PWF provided they choose to accept the primacy of DMDK as the senior partner. PTI