Rajender will support DPA, but will contest 11 seats

Mayiladuthurai, Apr 17 (UNI) Actor-Director Vijaya T Rajender, erstwhile DMK leader, who floated the Latchiya DMK (LDMK) after quiting that party, today offered support to the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) in the May eight Assembly elections.

Mr Rajender however refused to withdraw his candidates in 11 constituencies, as demanded by DMK President M Karunanidhi.

A day after Mr Karunanidhi requested him to withdraw from the contest and work for the DMK-led front's victory, the LDMK President told newspersons here that barring those 11 constituencies, his party would work for the victory of the DMK-led front.

Expressing his inability to withdraw from the contest, he said he came to know of the DMK leader's request only after reaching here this morning and his partymen had already left for the constituencies to file their papers. Mr Rajender, who is seeking election in Mayiladuthurai, his home town, also filed his papers.

Mr Rajender, who had been supporting the ruling AIADMK, decided to go it alone and fight 11 seats after he was shunned by the party.

While withdrawing support to AIADMK, Mr Rajender had said he would not contest against Mr Karunandihi as he was his 'political guru' and Ms Jayalalithaa as she had shown love and affection for him.

Taking a cue, Mr Karunanidhi said if Mr Rajender really considered him as his guru, he should withdraw his party candidates and work for the victory of the DMK-led front.

UNI WS RL HT1827