TMC may announce decision by Monday

By Our Tamil Nadu Bureau

CHENNAI, MARCH 3. In keeping with the requirements of the AIADMK, the TMC is likely to spell out its alliance strategy for the coming Assembly election by Monday.

TMC sources say the party leadership is inclined towards an alliance with the AIADMK. However, it is still waiting for the final word from the Congress before announcing the decision.

Peeved with what they call ``Congress dilly- dallying'', TMC seniors pushing for an alliance with the AIADMK said the Congress should state clearly whether it can remain in a PMK-inclusive alliance, and if so, on what terms. ``When the Congress leaders say that the inclusion of the PMK is their concern, why do they still ask us to negotiate for more seats for them'', they asked.

However, despite increasing pressure from within the party to dump the Congress, Mr. Moopanar, as of now, is firmly committed to reaching an agreement with the Congress on the issue of aligning with the AIADMK.

Meanwhile, the third front votaries, including the New Justice Party leader, Mr. A. C. Shanmugham and the Puratchi Thalaivar Anna Munnetra Kazhagam leader, Mr. K. Rajaram, today made a desperate bid to persuade Mr. Moopanar, not to align with the AIADMK.

After meeting Mr. Moopanar, Mr. Rajaram insisted that the third front ``is viable''. But Mr. Moopanar refused to comment on the third front proposal.

The State Congress president, Mr. E. V. K. S. Elangovan, who is also pushing for a third front, is said to be keeping in touch with potential third front allies, including the DPI and the New Justice Party. The Congress would take a decision only after hearing from Mr. Moopanar the TMC decision on alliance, he told reporters today.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK general secretary, Ms. Jayalalitha, is likely to conclude alliances only after her return from Hyderabad tomorrow. She was scheduled to arrive in the city today, but put off her return by a day.

Party sources say she might hold one-to-one meetings with leaders of all allied parties on Monday before announcing the seat- sharing arrangement. She would meet Mr. Moopanar or Mr. Elangovan only by way of concluding an alliance, sources said.

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Section  : Southern States
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