TN: AIADMK fields kin of its leaders in LS polls
What's the story
The ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, which has for long attacked the DMK for dynastic politics, has drawn criticism for nominating sons of its leaders, including O Panneerselvam, for the April 18 Lok Sabha polls. Among DMK's 20 candidates, six are children of prominent leaders while the AIADMK has allotted four of the 20 seats to the wards of party leaders. Here's more.
Details
Only hardwork, loyalty of candidates recognized, say DMK and AIADMK
Both DMK and AIADMK, however, contend that only hard work and loyalty of the candidates have been recognized and they cannot be denied ticket just because of the stature of their kin. Eyebrows were raised when AIADMK coordinator and Deputy CM Panneerselvam's son Ravindranathkumar was given a ticket from Theni constituency but the party stoutly defended him saying he has been rewarded for loyalty.
Elections
Both parties are contesting elections from 20 seats each
Though both the Dravidian majors are facing questions on family politics, the ruling party especially finds itself in the dock since its late leader J Jayalalithaa had often used it to target her party's archrival DMK. The two parties are contesting from 20 seats each, after having allotted the rest 19 seats among their allies. Elections in the state are scheduled on April 18.
DMK dynasty
Dynasty politics has dominated the DMK, say political observers
Political observers point out that dynasty politics has often dominated DMK, with its late chief M Karunanidhi's children - MK Stalin, MK Alagiri, and Kanimozhi being involved in active politics. Stalin was former Deputy CM while Alagiri, since expelled from DMK in 2014, was a minister in the Congress-led UPA at the Center and Kanimozhi has been a Rajya Sabha member since 2007.
Information
Six of 20 DMK candidates are wards of prominent leaders
Among DMK's 20 candidates for the April 18 polls, six are children of prominent leaders including Kanimozhi and former Union Minister Dayanidhi Maran, the grandnephew of Karunanidhi. He was MP between 2004 and 2014 and a Minister in UPA I and II.
Clarification
Elected candidates were not some outsiders, said Kanimozhi
The other candidates fielded by DMK whose fathers happen to be senior leaders, including former ministers, are Dr. Kalanidhi Veerasamy, Gowtham Sigamani, T Sumathi alias Tamizhachi Thangapandian and DM Kathir Anand. Kanimozhi, however, justified the party move, saying the selected candidates were not some outsiders. "Only those who have been working for the party for long have been given a seat," she said.
Information
AIADMK denied dynastic politics in party's rank and file
The spotlight, however, has turned on the AIADMK this time, with four of the 20 seats allotted to the wards of party leaders. However, AIADMK spokesperson RM Babu Murugavel denied any dynastic politics in the party's rank and file, saying only loyalty has been rewarded.