The DMK is in the process of selecting a suitable candidate for the Rajya Sabha election from Tamil Nadu, hoping that it will get the required support from Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) led by actor Vijayakant. Ms. Kanimozhi, whose tenure comes to an end, is not averse to the idea of contesting again. According to party sources, the party does not want to field anyone else at a time when it is short of the required numbers. Further, Ms. Kanimozhi does not want to give the impression that she will be ready to enter the fray only when victory is guaranteed.
The DMK leadership is also trying to contact Mr. Vijayakant and conveyed the message that the two parties’ coming together would be for their mutual benefit.
“We have communicated to Mr. Vijayakant that fielding a candidate will mutually benefit us, especially when the ruling party is bent on reducing his party’s strength in the Assembly. Closing ranks is the need of the hour,” said a senior DMK leader.
DMK sources said though the party leadership was fully aware that it did not have adequate numbers to win the seat, it did not want to hand over victory on a platter to the ruling party. “Our only concern is lack of numbers. Two more days are left [for filing of nominations] and let us hope for the best,” the DMK sources said. In the meantime, CPI general secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy and national council secretary D. Raja, who is seeking a re-nomination to the Rajya Sabha, will attend the executive meeting of the State committee on Saturday.
The meeting has been convened to officially decide the candidate for the election. Mr. Raja is the likely candidate. The CPI is entering the fray as the sixth candidate. Five AIADMK candidates have already filed their nominations.
