Accordingly with 39 parliamentary constituencies in the state and one in Puducherry up for grabs, both the AIADMK led alliance and the DMK led alliance have now drawn their battle lines for polling day April 1. Meanwhile a closer look at the seat sharing arrangement begs the question: In a post Jayalalitha, post Karunanidhi Tamilnadu, are the two Dravidian foes avoiding a direct contest? Accordingly the AIADMK and the DMK are challenging each other in only eight of the 20 constituencies they are fighting from: Chennai South, Kancheepuram(SC), Mayiladuthurai, Nilgiris(SC), Pollachi, Salem, Tirunelveli and Tiruvannamalai.
When speaking to media RK Radhakrishnan, Associate Editor of Frontline observes that the AIADMK alliance had ample time to reflect on its decision since the ruling party announced its seat-sharing arrangement two days after the DMK. He points out “They could have easily contested in all 20 seats, had they wanted to. However, the AIADMK’s lack of confidence is apparent in shying away even from Dindigul, which they have allotted to PMK and the PMK does not even have a base there".
Moreover the seat sharing arrangement of the two alliances throws up another surprise for the state where the DMK will face off against the PMK, an alliance partner of the AIADMK in all seven constituencies that it is contesting from. Hence observes Radhakrishnan the AIADMK's lack of confidence is apparent in the reluctance to conduct local body elections, the distribution of Rs 2,000 special assistance, etc”.
