Maanila Cong-AIADMK talks hit roadblock over symbol

The Tamil Maanila Congress’ hopes of allying with the AIADMK was shattered on Thursday after the ruling party insisted that the former contest elections under the “two leaves” symbol. 

The Tamil Maanila Congress is led by former union shipping minister G K Vasan.Tamil Maanila Congress sources told DH that Vasan was invited to meet AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa at her residence on Thursday afternoon for seat-sharing talks.

However, the AIADMK high-command made it very clear that it would offer about 15 seats provided that Maanila Congress should contest under “two leaves” symbol.

Declining the AIADMK’s offer “temporarily”, Vasan said: “we will decide the future course of action in the next two days considering all aspects of the party”. Vasan, who revived the Maanila Congress just a little more than a year back, was planning to further strengthen its party’s network after allying with the AIADMK and contest under his party’s “coconut farm” symbol. 

The AIADMK, which wants to contest all 234 constituencies under its “two leaves” symbol to brighten its chances of getting more seats in this elections, had already allocated seven seats to its small allies, who agreed to contest under the ruling party symbol.

A senior Maanila Congress party leader, seeking anonymity, said the AIADMK has given one more day to Vasan to re-think his decision not to contest under ruling party’s symbol. According to him, Maanila Congress cadres were interested in joining AIADMK.

“At present, people are familiar with only “cycle” symbol that Maanila Congress had earlier. As there is little time to publicise our new “coconut farm” symbol, it is better to contest under AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol for time being”, the Maanila Congress leader said.

The Maanila Congress, which is also isolated like the BJP by not having alliance with any major party, has only two options left of joining either the ruling party or the national party.