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DMK Opens Candidate Applications for Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

The DMK has formally begun its election process by inviting applications from potential candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, with specific fees for different categories. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is simultaneously working to consolidate the ruling alliance, addressing recent strains with the Congress party. The party has also launched a women's outreach campaign, "Vellum Tamil Pengal," to publicize government achievements. These steps signal an early and structured start to the DMK's election preparations.

Key Points: DMK Invites Applications for Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls

  • Application window open Feb 20-Mar 2
  • Fee is Rs 25k (general) or Rs 15k (reserved/women)
  • Stalin discusses alliance & seat-sharing
  • New women's wing campaign launched
2 min read

DMK invites applications from seat aspirants for TN Assembly polls

DMK begins candidate selection for TN elections, sets application fees, and manages alliance dynamics with Congress ahead of polls.

"interested aspirants can submit their applications between February 20 and March 2 - DMK statement"

Chennai, Feb 19

The DMK has invited applications from potential candidates seeking to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, formally setting the stage for its poll preparations.

In a statement, the party said interested aspirants can submit their applications between February 20 and March 2. Candidates applying for general constituencies must remit Rs 25,000 along with the form, while those applying for reserved constituencies are required to pay Rs 15,000. Women aspirants will have to submit Rs 15,000 irrespective of the category of constituency, the party clarified.

The announcement comes amid efforts by DMK president and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to consolidate the ruling party's alliance framework.

CM Stalin convened a meeting of senior leaders to discuss alliance dynamics and the formation of a panel to conduct seat-sharing negotiations with partners. The development followed a public assurance by Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal during his Chennai visit that the Congress-DMK alliance remained intact.

The statement came amid the recent remarks by some Congress functionaries, including Virudhunagar MP B. Manickam Tagore, which had triggered speculation about strain within the alliance. According to party sources, CM Stalin expressed displeasure over the controversy but subsequently reached out to a key Congress leader in New Delhi to smooth over differences.

Following those discussions, Venugopal reiterated the Congress leadership's commitment to the alliance.

Senior leaders who attended CM Stalin's meeting included DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Municipal Administration Minister K.N. Nehru, and Public Works Minister E.V. Velu.

Stalin is understood to have briefed them on the alliance situation and the proposed mechanism for seat-sharing talks.

In parallel with candidate selection and alliance management, the DMK also announced a new outreach campaign titled "Vellum Tamil Pengal". Under the initiative, the party's women's wing cadres will undertake a door-to-door campaign from February 23 to March 8, International Women's Day, to publicise the achievements of the DMK government. Ten women cadres will be assigned to each booth to carry out the campaign.

With applications invited and grassroots mobilisation underway, the DMK has signalled an early and structured start to its election process.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The 'Vellum Tamil Pengal' campaign is a smart move! Engaging women cadres at the booth level for door-to-door outreach ahead of Women's Day. Women voters are a decisive force in TN. Hope they genuinely highlight schemes that have benefited women and families, not just empty promises. 👍
R
Rahul R
All this alliance drama with Congress is getting tiresome. One day there's strain, next day it's "intact". Focus should be on governance and selecting good candidates who will work for the people, not just managing political partners in Chennai and Delhi.
K
Kavya N
The reduced fee for women aspirants (Rs 15,000) is a welcome step to encourage more women to apply. But the real test is how many women actually get tickets. Tamil Nadu politics still has very few women MLAs. Hope DMK walks the talk and gives substantial tickets to capable women candidates.
M
Michael C
Observing from outside, it seems DMK is running a very organized campaign. Setting clear dates for applications, having a structured outreach program, managing alliance talks through a panel... this is quite professional compared to the political chaos we often see. Early preparation is key.
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Anjali F
Stalin Anna seems to be firmly in control, handling both the Congress issue and party preparations. The meeting with senior leaders like Kanimozhi madam is important for unity. But ultimately, the candidate list will show if the party is rewarding loyal grassroots workers or just distributing seats to familiar faces.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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