Tuesday, March 7 2006 14:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Unperturbed by the MDMK's decision to quit the seven-party Democratic Progressive Alliance in Tamil Nadu, the alliance leader DMK kicked off its campaign for the May 8 Assembly elections at its three-day conference in Tiruchirappalli with a massive show of strength.

The party would not have got a better chance for the launch of the campaign as hundreds of thousands of party volunteers from every nook and corner of the state converged in the Rockfort City to affirm their unflinched loyalty to their leader M Karunanidhi.

The crowd was not perturbed by the MDMK's sudden decision, which came on last Saturday, the second day of the conference.

In fact many partymen said they were relieved following the MDMK's decision to align with the AIADMK since they said the party now has scope for maneuvering and could allot a few more seats to the allies who in turn can enthuse their respective cadre.

All the speakers at the conference, including Karunanidhi, refrained from making a direct reference to MDMK chief Vaiko, in a hint that party cadre need not worry about his exit.

Party leaders say Vaiko's credibility would take a beating now as he had till last month vowed to unseat Jayalalithaa and had even launched a "padayatra" demanding her resignation.

They also expect transfer of MDMK's vote bank to a certain extent to the DPA in view of this.