CHENNAI: With the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) deciding to continue in the Democratic Progressive Alliance, there is relief in the DPA camp.

The suspense and anxiety over the DPA continuing as one united entity has ended, though some groups may be frustrated. Sections within the MDMK and the DMK may not be too happy at the development, but have to grin and bear it in the larger interests of the alliance.

The question that has arisen is what difference does the MDMK make to the alliance. In case it had chosen to part ways and opted to either align with the AIADMK or go it alone, what difference would it have made to the DPA? In the 2001 Assembly elections, the MDMK went alone in the polls and contested 211 seats. According to Election Commission figures, the party polled 4.65 per cent of the votes in Tamil Nadu and 5.12 per cent of the votes in the seats where it contested.

MDMK sources insist it has, since, improved its position. Its analysis points to a 5 to 7 per cent share of votes. The percentage may be higher in the southern districts.

"This is the difference we can bring to the alliance. Our leaders keep telling us that every constituent of the DPA is important and must bring its influence to bear on the voters so that the alliance can triumph. The DPA is, no doubt, a powerful alliance. But indications are that the 2006 Assembly elections may be a tough proposition and a landmark event in the evolution of the State. It is our belief that we can make that difference and ensure a DPA landslide," says a party senior who has worked on the election results for the 12 years the MDMK has been in existence.

50 per cent mark

He says the Bharatiya Janata Party is thinking of contesting on its own, though some kind of an understanding with the AIADMK cannot be ruled out. Some of the new outfits and regional parties may also go it alone. "But it promises to be a clash between the AIADMK and the DPA. To ensure a clear victory, the alliance needs to cross the 50 per cent mark in the votes polled. We in the MDMK are convinced that like any other constituent, we are needed to reach that level and we will work for it."

More important than the vote share or the seats to be contested, the MDMK attaches significance to its leader Vaiko as a "star campaigner" for the alliance. It feels that even in the 2004 Parliamentary elections, he was one of the few "crowd pullers."

As Assembly elections involve 234 constituencies, the campaign assumes more significance and needs tougher electioneering.

Asked if there was any volte-face or change of heart in his alliance, Mr. Vaiko, when contacted, would only say: "At no point of time have I ever said anywhere that I am leaving the DPA. I was always there. This campaign through the media intensified after my New Delhi visit, where I said I was with the UPA. At the Centre, it is the UPA and our DPA is part of it. Some people have misinterpreted this. There is no Paswan formula in this."

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