TIRUCHY: The DMDK has sent strong signals that it is all set for a tough bargain in seat sharing for the local body polls, as it has started receiving applications to contest all the posts, including Mayors of all the 10 corporations.The announcement of party leader Vijaykanth instructing the cadre to submit applications to contest all urban local body seats in the State on party symbols has come as a surprise, as seat-sharing talks with its ally, the AIADMK has not even started.However, the functionaries of the DMDK continue to assert that the alliance with the AIADMK would continue for the civic polls. But, they were optimistic of contesting at least two Mayor posts and 20 per cent of municipalities and town panchayats indicating that their expectations were high.Receiving applications to contest all Mayor posts was a clear signal that the party would press for allocation of Mayor posts during seat sharing talks. It would also serve as a veiled threat that the party would not hesitate to go it alone, if its demands were not conceded. Besides, the move would also keep the party workers in all corporations and municipalities in combat mode.At a time, when the MDMK, PMK and VCK are preparing to contest the civic polls, the DMDK is keen to retain the second position in terms of corporations, municipalities and town panchayats too.As the actor’s party has joined the ruling alliance, leaving the third spot, it has been occupying, it fears that a possible good show by the MDMK or Pattali Makkal Katchi will pose a challenge to its growth. So, the party is keen to garner as many municipalities, town panchayats and a couple of Mayor posts as well.However, it is not known if the ruling AIADMK will concede any Mayor post to Vijaykanth’s party or allocate more than 10 per cent of municipal and town panchayat seats.
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