CPI(M) to stand alone for Corporation repolls

Chennai, Feb 3 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (Marxist), an ally of the DMK led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) would go it alone in the repoll for 98 wards in Chennai Corporation, scheduled to be held on February 18.

A day after DMK announced candidates for 59 wards, the CPI(M) announced candidates for eight wards - five in North Chennai and three in South Chennai.

The left party had fought the October last local body elections in alliance with DMK in other parts of the city, but failed to reach an understanding with the party for Chennai Corporation poll.

The CPI(M) was one of the parties, which had moved Madras High Court, seeking repoll on the ground that the October last poll was marred by violent incidents.

The High Court, in a spilit verdict ordered repoll for 98 wards, after which the DMK, Congress, PMK and DPI councillors had resigned their posts on the directive of DMK President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Bye elections are also being held for two other wards, following the resignation of the seats by AIADMK councillors.

UNI