Chennai: DMK and expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam have been exploring the possibility of working together, but are yet to arrive at an understanding, multiple sources told TOI. DMK, meanwhile, continues to hold talks with DMDK.DMK, which contested 173 seats in 2021, is now firm on contesting at least 170 assembly seats. It has offered DMDK seven assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat that would fall vacant in April, sources said.
A senior DMK leader spoke to Panneerselvam a week ago, inviting him to either float a new party and join the alliance or become a DMK member. “But he was still hoping to rejoin AIADMK,” said a source. The DMK leadership consulted a minister from the southern region about the “utility” of OPS as a prospective alliance partner with considerable clout within his mukkulathor community, a source said. “But the minister gave a report that OPS would not be able to transfer a large number of votes,” said the source. “He said OPS is unlike T T V Dhinakaran, who adversely impacted AIADMK’s chances in at least 20 constituencies in the 2021 assembly election.” The channel of communication, however, remains open. Having made its offer following a senior minister’s discussions with Premalatha Vijaykanth, DMK is awaiting DMDK’s decision. DMDK had simultaneously held talks with NDA. “DMDK asked for 14 assembly seats and we have offered seven plus one (Rajya Sabha seat). We expect the deal to be finalised by Sunday,” said a minister. DMK is focused on completing the SIR (special intensive revision) exercise before starting formal seat-sharing talks with its allies.
