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Puthiya Thamizhagam begins
campaigning for DMK-led front

While the Tamil Maanila Congress is undecided on whether to hold the DMK or AIADMK's hand, the Puthiya Thamizhagam, which was part of the third front along with the TMC, is beginning its political campaign for the assembly elections on Monday.

On February 15, Puthiya Thamizhagam leader Dr Krishnaswamy met M Karunanidhi and officially announced his decision to join the DMK-led front.

He decided to join the DMK front, despite attacking the ruling party throughout the five years was because "we do not want corruptive forces, thugs and goondas to rule the state''.

''I announced the decision only now, but we had decided six months ago that we would be going with the DMK-led front. Our party is based on the principles of Periyar, Ambedkar and Marx, and I don't want to deviate from the principles of our party unless some extraordinary situation arises. We feel the principles of the DMK are on par with ours and that is why we decided to ally with the DMK," the Dalit leader had said.

The Puthiya Thamizhagam, Krishnaswamy said, was against corruption, communal forces and casteist organisations. "Religion has been a part of life for thousands of years, but corruption is a main issue that has to be tackled by the state. You know how much of public money was looted openly between 1991-1995. So, how can a party with some conscience ally with such forces? So, my decision to join the DMK was positive."

Krishnaswamy is kicking off his political campaign on Monday, which will continue till February 24.

All National Democratic Alliance partners are expected to meet on February 25.

A confident Krishnaswamy, whose outfit has Devendrakula Vellalars or the Pallar sect under its wings, announced that he was sure of helping the DMK-led front win at least 100-125 seats in the elections. But he has sought only 33 seats.

The DMK offered 40 seats to the TMC if it decided to join the front.

He pooh-poohed political analysts who predicted an advantage to Jayalalitha because the PMK joined her. "If you are looking at the vote percentage of the Thevars in the southern districts, Dalits also constitute the same percentage. So, it is advantageous to the DMK front too, as the Puthiya Thamizhagam has joined the DMK front."

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