Balu, Pavanan: DPI candidates for Pondy polls

Chennai, Mar 27 (UNI) The Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) today announced the name of its two candidates who would contest the ensuing elections to Pondicherry Assembly on May 3 and 8.

DPI General Secretary Thol Thirumavalavan announced at a press conference here that Mr A Balu alias Vaidyanathan, the party's Karaikal District Deputy Secretary, will seek election from Nedungadu Assembly segment, while Mr Pavanan Pandicherry, the state DPI secretary will contest from Embalam constituency.

He said Mr Pavanan had lost the 2001 polls in the same constituency by a meagre margin of 600 votes.

The list of candidates for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on May 8 will be released on March 30, he added.

The DPI has been allotted nine Assembly seats by the ruling AIADMK in the constituencies of Sriperumpudhur, Chengam, Ulundurpet, Kattumannarkoil, Mangalur, Arur, Valparai, Sirkazhi (All reserved)) and Mugaiyur.

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