No alternatives emerge as Dravidian parties retain their ground in T.N.

The area for the ‘third political alternative’ in Tamil politics has shrunk as soon as once more as two common faces — Kamal Haasan, founding father of Makkal Needhi Maiam, and Seeman, chief co-ordinator, Naam Tamilar Katchi, who challenged the duopoly of the Dravidian parties — misplaced in Coimbatore South and Tiruvottriyur.

After working a robust marketing campaign, Mr. Seeman trailed the second-placed AIADMK candidate, K. Kuppan, by 1,774 votes in Thiruvottriyur after spherical 18. Mr. Haasan, who campaigned in each ward, put up a tricky struggle till the tip earlier than being defeated by Vanathi Srinivasan of the BJP in a three-way contest. Congress candidate Mayura Jayakumar was positioned third. T.T.V. Dhinakaran of the AMMK misplaced in Kovilpatti to Minister Kadambur Raju. Naam Tamilar Katchi spokesperson Packiarajan stated the occasion’s efficiency confirmed that there was extra work left to be carried out.

“It would have been great had Mr. Seeman gone to the Assembly. We also expected to become a recognised party by polling over 8% of the votes. It didn’t happen…,” he stated.

Having positioned himself as the choice, Mr. Haasan is observing a troublesome path forward.

MNM normal secretary C.K. Kumaravel was assured that Mr. Haasan would put this loss behind him and emerge stronger.

“Our leader put his heart and soul into the campaign and reached out to people despite a leg injury. We have to respect the people’s mandate. The party will overcome this loss and emerge stronger,” he stated.