DMDK's decision not a setback for us: DMK

Chennai: Putting up a brave face after his party's sustained efforts to rope in the DMDK into its alliance failed, DMK Treasurer M K Stalin Friday said the decision of the Vijayakanth-led party to go it alone was not a setback for his party.

"Definitely, it (DMDK decision) is not a setback for us," he told reporters here replying to a question.

Stating that his party chief M Karunanidhi had extended invite to DMDK several times as it would be good (to take on the AIADMK), he said, however, "It is their right to accept or decline the invite."

"It is their (DMDK's) right (to decide). We cannot and will not like to interfere in their right," he said.

Ending the suspense, DMDK yesterday decided to go it alone in the May 16 Assembly polls, which could result in a six-cornered contest with the others being AIADMK front, DMK-Cong, BJP, four party bloc PWF and PMK.

DMDK leader and Vijaykanth's wife Premalatha, however, said like minded parties that seek an alternative to both the AIADMK and DMK were welcome to hold talks with the party chief.

The invite is seen as an olive branch to both the BJP and PWF provided they choose to accept the primacy of DMDK as the senior partner.