Coimbatore: Puthiya Tamizhagam president Dr Krishnasamy Katchi on Thursday hinted that his party would independently contest the April 23 assembly election, citing disrespect shown by the AIADMK towards Devendra community.Speaking to reporters at Kuniyamuthur, he said interviews have already been conducted for over 300 candidates from 21 districts. Candidates have been identified for 60 general and reserved constituencies, with interviews for an additional 10 districts scheduled soon, he added. Dr Krishnasamy said he met AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and requested at least one Rajya Sabha seat for his party. AIADMK initially agreed to seven assembly seats, including Sankarankovil, Vasudevanallur, and Srivilliputhur. However, subsequent meetings reduced this to five seats. Dr Krishnasamy said negotiations ultimately collapsed when Palaniswami abruptly ended discussions. He described the AIADMK’s treatment of the Devendra community as disrespectful and said it has created a situation for independent contesting. The party is expected to announce its candidate list in two to three phases over the next two days.
