Chennai, March 25 The AIADMK released its first list of candidates for key constituencies as a defensive move to secure seats under pressure from the BJP, according to DMK spokesperson A Saravanan, who made the announcement on Wednesday.
He claimed that the AIADMK is attempting to prevent its ally from claiming key constituencies.
In response to the AIADMK's candidate announcement, Saravanan told
"This is a tactic by the AIADMK to preempt the BJP. They do not want the BJP to take away these seats. By declaring that these seats are non-negotiable, they are sending a message to the BJP, rather than the voters of Tamil Nadu," Saravanan said.
Citing the example of the Thirupparankundram constituency, Saravanan noted that rumors had been circulating about the BJP's interest in the seat. "The AIADMK has unilaterally declared that they will contest Thirupparankundram. We will have to wait and see if compromises will be made in future lists," he added.
Addressing Kamal Haasan's decision to skip contesting the elections and instead support the DMK-led alliance, Saravanan described the actor-politician's choice as a "great sacrifice".
"What Haasan has done is a selfless move. He has put the interests and welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu first," Saravanan said, adding that Chief Minister M K Stalin has expressed "sincere gratitude" for the gesture, which has been warmly received by the DMK cadre.
Responding to allegations by BJP Minority Morcha National Secretary Syed Ibrahim, who claimed that the DMK had done nothing for minorities, the DMK spokesperson dismissed the comments as the "biggest farce in the history of Tamil Nadu elections".
"The BJP, at every conceivable opportunity, has taken measures that harm minorities," Saravanan countered. "India is a syncretic society, and the BJP is a threat to that. The DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu stands against this communal threat."
He further cited CM Stalin's recent address at the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) conference, reaffirming the DMK's commitment to the safety of all minority communities in the state.
"Any minority community will be safe here. We will protect them – that is the assurance given by Stalin," he added.