The State unit of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), a constituent of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led front, will contest three seats in the Assembly elections. The agreement was signed on Saturday by M. Karunanidhi, DMK president and Chief Minister, and K.M. Khader Mohideen, IUML leader, at Anna Arivalayam here. The IUML will contest on the DMK symbol, according to the agreement.
Expressing satisfaction over the pact, Mr. Mohideen later told The Hindu that originally, his party had sought eight seats, representing 3.5 per cent of the Assembly seats. This was in tune with the State government's decision of providing 3.5 per cent in education and employment for Muslims within the overall quota for Backward Classes.
The initial response of the DMK was to provide only two seats. Eventually, it agreed to give three. Over the years, his party had contested from 27 constituencies. It had a strong presence in districts such as Ramanathapuram, Vellore, Tirunelveli and Thanjavur.
He thanked the Chief Minister for the government's move to encourage students belonging to linguistic minorities study their mother tongue and sanction the posts of teachers and non-teaching staff in self-financed schools.
