Congress- DMK talks on allocation of constituencies still inconclusive

For the third consecutive day, the talks between Congress and DMK leaders remained inconclusive over the earmarking of constituencies for the two parties which are facing the forthcoming Assembly polls as an alliance.

Agreement signed

Last week, DMK president M.Karunanidhi and Pradesh Congress Committee president A.Namassivayam signed an agreement deciding that Congress would field its candidates in 21 constituencies while DMK would do so in nine constituencies of Union Territory of Puducherry.

In a laborious exercise that began on Friday, the leaders of the Puducherry units have so far finalised the eight constituencies to DMK- Muthialpet, Orleanpet, Uppalam, Nettapakkam, Mangalam, Thattanchavadi, Karaikal (South) and Neravy-Tirupatinam. However, Mannadipet has become a bone of contention as both parties are eyeing the seat.

Mannadipet was held by DMK four times and is presently with the All India NR Congress.

Negotiations

Sources in DMK said, “After extensive negotiations, the Congress has agreed to part with Mannadipet but instead wants to take Mangalam and Nettapakkam. As a compromise, they propose to give Mudaliarpet and Ossudu to us. There is no agreement on that proposal. We will refer the matter to party treasurer M.K.Stalin who will be visiting Puducherry today and tomorrow. He will take a final decision.”

After coming out from the talks, senior Congress leader V.Narayanasamy said “ninety per cent of negotiations was over and only 10 per cent remained to be tied up”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Narayanasamy, Leader of Opposition V.Vaithilingam, Pradesh Congress Committee president A.Namassivayam left for New Delhi for final consultation with general secretaries Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mukul Wasnik.