VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has criticised the Congress party’s approach to seat-sharing in Puducherry, saying it has pushed the INDI alliance into confusion and weakened its prospects in the Assembly election.
According to the VCK, a dispute between Congress and the DMK over constituency allocation meant that other alliance partners, including VCK and the Left parties, were not allotted seats. While an understanding was said to have been reached for Congress to contest 16 seats and the DMK 14, Congress has fielded candidates in 22 constituencies.
Thirumavalavan had earlier said VCK would remain in the alliance if it was allotted the Ozhukarai constituency. Though the DMK agreed to allocate the seat, Congress objected and its candidate did not withdraw the nomination, leaving VCK’s status in the alliance unclear.
With no clarity forthcoming, Thirumavalavan announced that VCK will contest independently in three constituencies in Puducherry. The party named Ariyaputhri for Oussudu, Amuthavan for Nettapakkam and Pushpalatha for Ozhukarai.
In his statement, he said Congress’ stance was “not right” and warned that it could put the INDI alliance’s overall chances in question.
