CHENNAI : In the era of grand alliances, it may be difficult for smaller parties and groups to make the grade. During the phase of alliance formation and seat sharing, many of them tried their best to get into the radar of the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance and the Democratic People's Alliance led by the AIADMK. Some succeeded, but most failed to clinch a deal.

The AIADMK took with it the MDMK and the DPI and provided one or two seats each to smaller parties and splinter groups such as the Indian National League, a breakaway Forward Bloc etc. It provided two seats to a faction of the Indian National Trade Union Congress, which was split in the bargain.

The DMK had the existing allies - Congress, PMK, two Left parties and Indian Union Muslim League. A couple of others were accommodated in the party list but quite a handful got left out.

Contrary to rumours, actor-turned politician Vijayakant decided to go it alone. He wanted to contest from all 234 constituencies, but some of the candidates either did not file papers or failed to get the party letter in time. They are `independents' in some seats and may not be in the fray in a few others.

Tough call

From the very beginning, the Bharatiya Janata Party decided to steer clear of the Dravidian parties. It was not averse to an understanding with Mr. Vijayakant's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, but the star was apparently not too keen. So the BJP formed a front with the Janata Party and some Hindu formations. By roping in all its national leaders for campaign, the party is desperately trying to win at least a few seats. It remains to be seen if it can win in even one or two constituencies.

The Puthiya Thamizhagam, a Dalit party, with a base in the southern districts, also waited for a `call' from one of the major parties, especially the AIADMK. This did not happen and K.Krishnasamy had to plough a lonely furrow. Even when he had formed a Dalit front and aligned with the Tamil Maanila Congress under G. K.Moopanar, the alliance came a cropper.

Another case in point is the All India Forward Bloc, now led by actor-turned politician Karthik. Though now recognised as the official AIFB and allotted the Lion symbol, it may be very difficult for it to win seats this time, considering that one group has left the party and got a seat allotted from the AIADMK. Being a Thevar dominated party, its functionaries are hoping to win at least one seat.

Not very different is the case of the Tamil Nadu Jananayaga Congress, led by former TNCC president Tindivanam Ramamurthee. He was expelled from the Congress for meeting Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and advocating an alliance. In the end, he was left in the lurch and his own group got further splintered because the AIADMK did not take it under its banner. The party has fielded a few candidates, though none of the leaders are in the fray.

A peculiar phenomenon is that of film star-producer-director-politician Vijaya T.Rajendhar who, besides contesting 11 seats under the banner of a new party, the Lakshiya Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, is actively campaigning for the DMK-led front, accepting its leader M. Karunanidhi's invitation.

Rebels too

In addition to these more-known-lesser-parties, many other groups have entered the fray. Another feature appears to the presence of a number of rebel candidates as `independents.' No party seems to be an exception, with the Congress, perhaps, accounting for the largest number of rebel candidates. In the clash of the Titans, it remains to be seen what becomes of the smaller parties and groups. Can they register their presence and enter the Assembly? The voters will decide.

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