Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK), an ally of the DMK, has decided to boycott the by-election to the Srirangam Assembly constituency.
While the announcement has come as a surprise to the DMK which has fielded its candidate, the CPI(M) State unit that approached VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan for support also felt disappointed.
Even though Mr. Thirumavalavan, in a statement, clarified that fair and democratic election was not possible in the Srirangam constituency as the ruling party was ready to do anything to win the elections, his party was upset that the DMK did not bother to seek his support.
Even when Mr Thirumavalavan called on DMK leader M. Karunanidhi on the day when Srirangam candidate Mr Anand came to meet him, DMK leaders had not formally sought the VCK’s support.
On the other hand, CPI(M) spoke to Mr Thirumavalavan and requested his support for its candidate. “Unless we are able to make an impact there is no point in entering the fray or supporting a political party,” said a senior VCK leader.
Recalling former Chief Election Commissioner V.S. Samapth’s remarks that the role of money power in Tamil Nadu was little more acute, Mr. Thirumavalavan said it was a shame to both Tamil Nadu and democracy.
He wanted the Election Commission to come out with guidelines to ensure that Tamil Nadu ministers were not allowed to campaign in the by-poll. “When there is an absolute misuse of power, contesting in the by-poll is meaningless,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi also decided not to support any political party in the by-poll as its result would not have any impact on the political scene in the State.