Seeman Open to Support From DMK and AIADMK for Ambasamudram Byelection

Naam Tamilar Katchi chief coordinator Seeman has hinted that he is open to accepting support from the DMK and the AIADMK if they back him in the upcoming Ambasamudram Assembly constituency byelection. Speaking to journalists at Pasumpon after paying tributes to freedom fighter Muthuramalinga Thevar, he compared his desire for a poll win to a hungry person accepting food, stating he would not reject their support when he has been yearning for a victory for a long time.

Reactions and Alliances

DMK president and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin did not directly answer when asked about backing Mr. Seeman, stating that the byelection date should be announced first. Mr. Seeman clarified that his past criticism of rival parties was ideological rather than personal, noting he has never made personal remarks against Mr. Stalin, AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami, or TVK leader and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. He also pointed out that his party secured 36 lakh votes and an 8.5% vote share in past elections, questioning why a party with such backing would not be approached for alliances when smaller groups with a 1% or 2% vote share are routinely invited.

Context

Byelections in India are held to fill casual vacancies in legislative assemblies when a sitting member dies or resigns. Party alliances and discussions often shift dynamically ahead of such targeted electoral contests as regional parties test their strength.