Congress will lead secular alliance, which includes DMK, in Puducherry: TNCC chief

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai on Sunday said the Congress party would lead the alliance in Puducherry just as “the DMK leads the alliance in Tamil Nadu”.

Addressing the media at the TNCC headquarters in Chennai, he said the Congress would lead the secular alliance, which includes the DMK, in Puducherry.

Mr. Selvaperunthagai and other leaders were part of a discussion with AICC observer Mukul Wasnik and AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Girish Chodankar.

“As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, he [Mr. Wasnik] has reviewed the preparations in the Assembly segments – our contributions to the SIR [Special Intensive Revision] process, and the formation of booth and village committees. He has also spoken to important leaders in Tamil Nadu. Based on this, he has guided us on how we can contribute to our alliance partners in all 234 Assembly constituencies,” Mr. Chodankar said.

When asked if the Congress is happy with the number of seats allotted to it, Mr. Wasnik said, “Prior to the decision on seat-sharing, various aspects were taken into consideration. At the end of the day, we have made a decision, and other parties in the alliance have accepted it.”

He added: “The alliance is going to be a formidable one. We are confident of gaining the people’s support. Though we are contesting a limited number of seats, we will contribute to other constituencies too, as if a Congress candidate is contesting.”