Amid speculation that he would join the Congress-DMK combine in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has authorised its general secretary Vijayakant to take a decision on the party’s line in the polls. A resolution adopted at its high-level executive meeting said though the party had faced many elections, people of Tamil Nadu were eagerly waiting for its decision in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. “In the interest of the people of Tamil Nadu, the meeting has authorised general secretary to take a decision,” said the resolution.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Vijayakant told leaders of the party’s various wings that the DMDK was gaining ground and it would be in demand when election approached. “We will take a decision at that time,” he said.
On Friday, Mr. Vijayakant paid homage to Congress leader G.K. Moopanar on the occasion of his death anniversary, creating a buzz in political circles. However, Congress leaders refused to attach any significance to the meeting, pointing out that the actor-turned-politician has been visiting Moopanar’s memorial every year.
Though Mr. Vijayakant inched towards the Congress and sought the national party’s support during the Rajya Sabha polls, the Congress backtracked in the last minute and supported DMK candidate Kanimozhi. However, the communication channels that have opened between Mr. Vijayakant and Congress leaders including AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Mukul Wasnik may work well for both the parties. He was greeted by Mr. Rahul Gandhi and Mr. Wasnik on his birthday last week. Sunday’s meeting took place at a time the party is going through a period crisis as seven of its MLAs have switched their loyalty to the ruling AIADMK and its deputy general secretary A. Austin quit recently, alleging that he had no constructive role in the party.
Even on Sunday, the party’s presidium chairman Panruti S. Ramachandran was not present when the meeting started. According to sources, Mr. Ramachandran was away at a marriage in Vriddhachalam. When Mr Vijayakant realised that he was not present, he contacted him and asked him to attend the meeting. He reached the DMDK headquarters by 2.10 pm. The resolutions were adopted only after his arrival.
The meeting also decided to hold a public meeting on the 9th anniversary of the party in Tuticorin on September 22. “This conference is likely to hint at the direction the DMDK is heading for,” said a leader who was present at the executive meeting.
