Wednesday, May 15

DMK Releases Candidates’ List For Lok Sabha Elections

Edited by Aishwarya Krishnan
DMK Releases First Candidates List: Lok Sabha Elections

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has released its candidates’ list ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. MK Stalin’s party has also released the party manifesto, promising statehood for Puducherry and a ban on NEET exams.

The nominated candidates include Dr Kalanidhi Veeraswamy from North Chennai, Thamizhachi Thangapandian from South Chennai, Dayanidhi Maran from Central Chennai, TR Baalu from Sriperambudur, Annadurai from Thiruvanamalai, A Raja from Nilgiris and Kanimozhi from Thoothukodi. Notably, all the above candidates are sitting MP’s from their respective constituencies.

After a seat-sharing arrangement was reached with Congress, the ruling DMK will be contesting from 21 seats. Chennai North, Chennai South, Central Chennai, Thiruvanamalai, Arakkonam, Vellore, Salem, Erode, Kancheepuram (SC), Pollachi, Sriperambudur, Nilgiris (SC), Thoothukodi, Coimbatore, Kallakurichi, Theni, Perambalur, Thanjavur, Thenkashi (SC), Dharmapuri and Arani.

Nine seats have been allotted for Congress in the state along with a lone seat in Puducherry.

Tamil Nadu’s ruling party had released its manifesto in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, DMK MP Kanimozhi and other major party leaders. Kanimozhi said, “We saw how much this Dravidian model government has done for the people of the state. This election manifesto will help us to take our Dravidian model all over India. I am sure of securing not only 40 seats in Tamil Nadu but a good number of seats in the country too,” as quoted in a Mint report.

In the DMK manifesto, MK Stalin has stated once again that the Citizen Amendment Act (CAA) and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will not be implemented. The manifesto also promises that the state of Tamil Nadu will not implement National Educational Policy and NEET. Other key points mentioned by the manifesto include Thirukural being made as ‘National Book,’ Indian citizenship has been promised for Sri Lankan Tamils who have returned to India and 33 percent reservation for women in both parliament and assembly. CM MK Stalin has also promised a financial aid of Rs 1000 per month for women.