The PMK has formally approached the ruling DMK for a Rajya Sabha seat for former Union Minister Anbumani Ramadoss. A letter has been submitted to Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on behalf of the PMK.
The PMK, in its letter, reminds the Chief Minister of his promise made in 2008 that the PMK will get its turn to claim a Rajya Sabha seat in 2010.
The PMK was part of the DMK alliance at that time and wanted a seat when six vacancies arose. But, Mr. Karunanidhi, saying the PMK's turn will come only in 2010, gave the seat to the CPI (M).
Subsequently, both the PMK and the CPI (M) quit the DMK combine to join the AIADMK front before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.
The PMK leadership feels Mr. Karunanidhi will take into consideration its decision to reject the AIADMK offer of support in the by-election to Pennagaram Assembly constituency.
Besides offering to back Dr. Anbumani's candidature to the Rajya Sabha, PMK president G.K. Mani had stated that the AIADMK came forward to withdraw the cases filed by former minster C.V. Shanmugam against PMK founder S. Ramadoss, Dr. Anbumani and their family members.
A final decision on allotting a seat to Dr. Anbumani will be taken on May 30 when the DMK's high-level committee will meet to discuss the Rajya Sabha polls.
The term of five MPs, including that of Dr. Anbumani, end on June 29. One seat is held by Congress member E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan while the other four seats are occupied by AIADMK members T.T.V. Dinakaran, K. Malaisamy, S. Anbalagan and N.R. Govindarajar.
According to the strength of parties in the Assembly, the AIADMK can retain two seats. The current political situation will work in favour of the DMK combine in securing the rest of the seats.
In the 235-member Assembly, the ruling DMK has 99 members, followed by the AIADMK with 57. The Congress, the main ally of the DMK, is represented by 36 members.
The PMK has 18, CPI (M) 9, CPI 6, MDMK 3, Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi one and the DMDK is represented by its leader and actor Vijayakant.
There is an Independent member.
Actor S.Ve. Shekher, who was elected on an AIADMK ticket, is now treated as an unattached member.
There is one nominated member from the Anglo-Indian community.
