Even as electioneering entered the crucial phase of filing of nominations, constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), particularly the Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK), are yet to decide on supporting the All India N.R. Congress (AINRC) candidate.
The Bharatiya Janata Party is the only party in the NDA that has declared its support to the AINRC, which has been allotted the lone seat in Puducherry. Other constituents such as the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and other smaller parties have not openly announced their stand on the alliance issue so far.
The confusion is owing to the announcement of the PMK that it would also contest in Puducherry under the NDA banner.
Though the parties had informed their leaders about the confusion in Puducherry NDA, leaders of the local units said that they were yet to receive confirmation on whether to support the AINRC or the PMK.
It is learnt that though most of the alliance partners offered to support the AINRC candidate, they were reluctant to announce their stand openly as they didn’t want to antagonise the PMK.
However, informed sources said they would take a clear stand soon after the nomination process ended.
Meanwhile, most of the alliance partners of the NDA, except the MDMK, boycotted a meeting convened by the PMK here on Wednesday. It was held not only to discuss the poll strategy but also seek the support of all alliance partners for the PMK candidate.
Meanwhile, Indhiya Jananayaka Katchi, one of the constituents of the NDA, on Thursday announced that it would support the PMK candidate.
The decision was taken at an executive committee meeting of IJK here, which was presided over its Puducherry organiser Sathiavel.
It said the PMK was working in tandem with the IJK and other parties in Tamil Nadu for the victory of NDA candidates.
Hence, it was decided to support the PMK here.
