AIADMK seeks to mollify miffed allies

AIADMK was also continuing talks with DMDK even as the process of filing of nominations for 234 seats begins today.

The hectic political activity in the AIADMK camp continued till the wee hours, at the end of which the Jayalalithaa-led party managed to sign agreements with the CPI-M, CPI and other parties, barring the DMDK and MDMK.

The seat-sharing accord with the CPI-M was reached at 0500 hours today, under which the party, which had been allotted 12 seats, would retain most of its sitting constituencies. CPI also signed the accord around 0130 hours today.

With this, the dissatisfaction that surfaced in the wake of AIADMK?s `unilateral` announcement of candidates for 160 constituencies seems to have dissipated.

Talks to identify seats for DMDK, second largest partner of the alliance, which would contest 41 seats remained inconclusive and was expected to be concluded today.

The AIADMK had also opened talks with the MDMK leader Vaiko, but the number of seats offered was unknown.

Allocation for small allies such as Manitha Neya Makkal Katchi (3 seats) actor Sarathkumar`s All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (2), All India Forward Bloc, All India Mooventhar Munnetra Kazhagam, RPI and Tamil Nadu Ilaignar Kongu Peravai (all one each) were finalised late last night.

After talks with AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa, DMDK leaders Panrutty S Ramachandran and senior leader L Sudeesh told reporters that the talks were "cordial" and would continue.

Meanwhile, the MDMK is scheduled to go ahead with the emergency meeting of its top policy making body, as the Vaiko-led party was the worst-hit among allies by AIADMK`s `unilateral` announcement of candidates for 160 seats.

MDMK sources said Vaiko would take a call after today`s meeting, amidst a feeling of disappointment among party supporters due to the alleged ill-treatment of Jayalalithaa`s most loyal ally, after they joined hands in 2006.