Allocation of seats to BJP, TMC(M) sparks discontent among AIADMK cadres in Kanniyakumari district

As four Assembly seats have been allocated to BJP and one to TMC (Moopanar), which is contesting under the lotus symbol, in Kanniyakumari district, the distribution has irked senior AIADMK party functionaries and cadres in the district.

In the upcoming Assembly elections, of the 27 seats allocated for BJP in Tamil Nadu, the party is contesting in four seats in Kanniyakumari district, which includes Nagercoil, Padmanabhapuram, Colachel and Vilavankode. Killioyoor constituency has been secured by TMC(M), and as per the announcement of party president G. K. Vasan on Friday, J. Nivin Simon has been named as party’s candidate.

However, senior party functionaries and other members have raised concern stating that at least two to three constituencies should have been allocated to AIADMK.

A senior AIADMK functionary from Kanniyakumari West district expressed his dissatisfaction in the allocation of Assembly seats in Kanniyakumari district stating that, “It is not good for the party’s growth.”

He added that AIADMK party cadres and senior party functionaries have started their ground work way before the announcement of elections, and the allocation to the allies had come as a major disappointment. “At least two constituencies from the district one each from Kanniyakumari East district one from Kanniyakumari West district could have been allocated for AIADMK,” he noted.

“However, adhering to the coalition ethics, we will work together for the success of the alliance,” he said.

A significant number of AIADMK cadres from Kanniyakumari East district also raised their concerns, immediately after the announcement of allocation of seats.

An AIADMK councillor from Nagercoil corporation, who wished to remain anonymous said, “We respect the decision taken by party leadership, but we had expected more than one seat would be allocated to AIADMK.” Commenting on TMC(M)’s contest in Killiyoor constituency, he said, although we are not happy with the decision, the party cadres will work for the victory of NDA alliance.

John Thangam, organising secretary, AIADMK and AIADMK candidate for Padmanabhapuram constituency in 2021 Assembly elections said that, the decision was taken with mutual understanding between BJP and AIADMK, and “We will work towards the victory of NDA alliance, whoever the candidates and party is contesting and our aim is change in governance and to make Edappadi K Palaniswami as the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu,” he added.