Even after being delisted by the Election Commission of India, five political parties in Tamil Nadu have found spots in the state’s main electoral alliances for the upcoming Assembly election. The delisting by the ECI affected several parties in Tamil Nadu due to non-compliance with statutory requirements, such as failing to submit financial statements and not contesting elections under their registered names and symbols. Notably, parties like Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK), Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), and others have lost their official registration but can still participate in elections as Independents or under recognized party symbols.
Tamil Nadu’s MMK has already secured two seats within the DMK alliance and plans to challenge the ECI’s decision in the Supreme Court. Leaders of parties like MJK and KMDK are also exploring legal options while engaging in alliance talks. KMDK’s general secretary has directly appealed to the ECI for reinstatement of their status. Candidates from MMK, MJK, and KMDK are likely to contest under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol, while leaders like John Pandian and N.R. Dhanapalan are expected to align with the AIADMK-led NDA.
Amidst these developments, smaller parties are striving to regain recognition, with Gokula Makkal Katchi founder working towards restoring their party’s registration. The situation highlights how electoral alliances in Tamil Nadu are accommodating smaller parties despite regulatory challenges and legal disputes.
