Chennai: Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief coordinator Seeman is reportedly avoiding meetings with representatives of various unions after the party’s vote share declined in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Ahead of the polls, Seeman had publicly backed demands raised by groups such as government doctors, nurses and teachers, frequently issuing statements in support of their causes. With the government responding to some of these representations, several union functionaries were said to have approached him seeking continued support.
Party sources said there was an expectation that Seeman’s visibility on a wide range of public issues would translate into electoral gains. However, NTK’s vote share, which stood at 8.22% earlier, is reported to have dropped to 4% in the latest election.
While the rise of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has been cited as one factor, the report also attributes the decline to unions that had earlier sought Seeman’s backing not voting for NTK candidates. Following the outcome, Seeman is said to be keeping away from meetings with union leaders who approach him.
NTK members, quoted in the report, alleged that Seeman stood with people across issues, including protests linked to government employees’ demands, and supported those who faced arrests and alleged repression during the DMK regime. They claimed the unions benefited from his support but did not reciprocate at the ballot box.
