Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam founder P. John Pandian, who walked out of the front led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after he was denied accommodation in it, dismissed as absurd the party has entered the fray at the behest of AIADMK to split votes.
Talking to reporters here on Wednesday after releasing his party’s election manifesto, he said that the allegation that his party had decided to field candidates to eat into Dalit votes and affect the prospects of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidates was part of the DMK’s disinformation campaign to confuse voters.
He said that the party had decided to enter the fray and field candidates in 52 constituencies, including two segments in Chennai, and southern and western districts to serve the underprivileged people of Dalit community. There was no ulterior motive, he said.
Mr. Pandian, who is seeking election from Thiruvadanai constituency in the district, said that the party would decide in a couple of days on fielding his wife Priscilla Pandian to contest from Mudukulathur constituency.
He would campaign against both the AIADMK and DMK, he said.
He said that the Thiruvadanai constituency, though topped the district in the production of paddy, tamarind and chilli, continued to be backward for nearly half a century. In the event of his election, he would bifurcate the Thiruvadanai taluk and create a new taluk with RS Mangalam as headquarters.
In the manifesto, the party has pledged support for prohibition and promised to ensure the death anniversary of Dalit leader Immanuel Sekaran would be made an official function.
The party would also prevail upon the Centre to recognise the seven sub-sects of scheduled castes under the Devendrakula Vellalar identity.
