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Congress ties will continue: Karunanidhi

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, MAY 10. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president, M. Karunanidhi, today categorically said his party would continue its ties with the Congress even after the Lok Sabha elections.

Emerging from a booth at Sri Saradha Secondary School, Gopalapuram in the Central Chennai constituency here, where he cast his vote, Mr. Karunanidhi denied that the DMK was keeping its options open on government formation at the Centre.

Asked about the electoral prospects of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA), he said its victory was a foregone conclusion.

To questions on the possibility of a realignment in the post-poll scenario and the DMK's strategy, as its support is considered crucial for government formation in the event of a hung Parliament, Mr. Karunanidhi said these issues could be discussed only after May 13, when votes will be counted. He made it clear that there was no chance for the formation of a `third front'.

He gave an emphatic `no' to a question whether the DMK would keep its options open on government formation. Replying to another query, he said there would be no change in the DMK's decision to remain with the Congress.

Mr. Karunanidhi was accompanied by his wife, Dayalu; the DMK deputy general secretary, M.K. Stalin; the party candidate for Central Chennai, Dayanidhi Maran, and family members.

Nambiar confident

The Bharatiya Janata Party candidate for North Chennai, M.N. Sukumaran Nambiar, who also exercised his franchise in the booth, said he was quite confident that the BJP-All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam combine would do well. There would be no need for any post-poll realignment, he felt.

Mr. Dayanidhi Maran hoped that the electorate in the State would give a clear mandate to the DPA.

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