In a ‘first’ for PMK, Anbumani interviews ticket aspirants

In an attempt to change the party’s old ways, PMK leader Anbumani has been interviewing the party’s Assembly election ticket aspirants over the last few days. The PMK headed by him is likely to contest in about 17-18 assembly seats as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance. His estranged father S. Ramadoss is yet to make a decision on an alliance.

Sources said the interviews have created a buzz among the aspirants, who have had a chance to meet with the leadership and speak about their work within the party and about their expectations.

“Over the last four days, Dr. Anbumani has met aspirants and spoke with them in detail about what needs to be done to win the constituency. He has met candidates from across all assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu as the constituencies have not been finalised. The party plans to contest in southern Tamil Nadu seats as well,” said the source.

Perhaps to counter his son, Dr. S. Ramadoss too has announced that he would be interviewing probable candidates at Thailapuram residence in Villupuram.

A senior party man, who is now aligned with Dr. Ramadoss, said,. “Only a few people were interviewed before…Ayya would announce the candidates directly.”

Sources close to Dr. Anbumani further said the candidates with “potential” who could miss out on tickets were informally told they would be considered for important posts in the next local body elections.