While chances of Congress forging an alliance in Tamil Nadu was growing slim, senior party leader and Union Shipping Minister, G.K. Vasan, on Tuesday declared that he would not contest the polls.
"I will not contest. I will tour all 39 constituencies and campaign for candidates. I want to ensure unity and an increase in vote share for the Congress," he said.
Addressing a press conference, the former TNCC president said he had told about his decision to the party high command. Mr. Vasan said after a long time, the party in Tamil Nadu had got an opportunity to fight the elections alone. Congress workers across the State were elated at the prospect and are looking forward to work for candidates in all 39 seats.
On the reason for the party not able to stitch an alliance, Mr. Vasan, in an apparent reference to the DMDK and the DMK, said that parties in Tamil Nadu have opted for "opportunistic alliances."
"When the results come out and the vote shares are declared, those who did not align with us will regret the decision… Some of them were with us for long and enjoyed the power. But they have left at the last moment. This will certainly be taken to the voters," the union minister pointed out.
