DMK in a bind as TN parties pitch for 'son of the soil'

CHENNAI: NDA's decision to field C P Radhakrishnan as its vice-presidential candidate has put DMK in a political bind.

To reject a candidate from Tamil Nadu could be portrayed as disregarding Tamil pride, a line rivals are expected to play up in the 2026 campaign. Yet, extending support to a BJP-backed nominee would go against DMK's long-standing political positioning against the Centre.

On Monday, pressure mounted on DMK to back CPR. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the nomination of CPR was an opportunity for TN to send someone from the state to the vice-president's office. "A Tamilian has got an opportunity to become a VP. So all MPs from TN should support it, shedding political differences,'' EPS told reporters at Tiruvannamalai.

BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran, for his part, said he would meet chief minister M K Stalin seeking support for CPR. "It would not be fair to stay away when there was an opportunity for a Tamilian to reach new heights," he said. Tamil Maanila Congress president GK Vasan also joined the chorus, calling Radhakrishnan "a son of the soil, admired by all beyond political affiliations" and "a great honour for Tamils."

While DMK was yet to make an announcement, its allies said there was no room for apprehension just because CPR was a Tamilian. "Even if BJP announced a presidential candidate from TN, people here will not support them,'' said TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai.

CPM state secretary P Shanmugham said CPR's nomination would in no way benefit TN. "Tamils have already held posts of vice-president and President. So, there is nothing new here,'' he said. Shanmugam added that BJP candidates would ultimately act on the party's directions rather than independently.

A senior DMK neta said an announcement on the party's position would be made soon.