Dissident AIADMK MLAs quietly back AMMK, DMK

Dissident MLAs of the AIADMK and its allies, who won on the ‘two leaves’ symbol, seem to have parted ways and have been quietly campaigning for T T V Dhinakaran’s AMMK as well as the DMK-Congress combine.


Actor Karunaas of Mukkulathor Pulipadai, who initially supported TTV, however, abstained from the campaigning despite taking on the AIADMKBJP combine.

Aranthangi MLA E Rathinasabapathy has been campaigning for Ramanathapuram AMMK candidate V T N Anandan since the nomination was filed. His grouse was that people have lost confidence in the ruling party as well as the DMK. “I decided to campaign for AMMK since Aranthangi falls in Ramanathapuram parliamentary constituency. We see overwhelming support for our leader Dhinakaran,” he said, dismissing speculation of possible disqualification by AIADMK. However, the rebel MLA hastened to add, “We are not for toppling the government.”

For A Prabhu, the Kallakurichi MLA, loyalty matters. “I got a poll ticket because of Chinnamma and I stand by TTV annan. He steers cadres as a true leader unlike AIADMK leadership that does it in selfinterest,” the MLA said, vowing to take the legal route if he’s disqualified. He is AMMK’s campaign in-charge of Kallakurichi LS seat. Vriddhachalam legislator K T Kalaiselvan remained inaccessible, but his supporters said he keeps himself busy campaigning for AMMK's Chidambaram candidate A Ilavarasan.

MJK leader Thameemun Ansari has no qualms about campaigning for the Congress-DMK alliance. “Ideologies are important for me. Myself, Karunaas and KIP leader Thaniyarasu repeatedly told the AIADMK leadership not to tie up with BJP as people’s anger against Modi government would tilt the prospects of the ruling party. But they did not listen. I will happily accept my disqualification,” Ansari said. He greeted Congress president Rahul Gandhi and DMK chief M K Stalin at a public rally in Theni. Ansari campaigned for VCK’s Thol Thirumavalavan in Cuddalore and the IUML’s K Nawaz Kani in Ramanthapuram, while his supporters campaigned across the state.

Kongu Ilaignar Peravai’s U Thaniyarasu, a vocal critic of BJP, however, joined the EPS campaign in Dharmapuri and Erode. “BJP won’t invite me given my strident criticism of its communal agenda. I campaign for Amma and her achievements,” the Kongu leader said.