Friday, March 31 2006 15:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: Actor Vijaykanth, who had floated the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) party last year, is to make his electoral debut from Virudachalam constituency in Cuddalore district in the state assembly polls on May 8.

Releasing the first list of 140 candidates for polls to the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly, Vijaykanth said there was no change in the DMDK's stand that it would not align with any other party.

Former AIADMK minister and DMDK presidium chairman Panruti S Ramachandran would seek election from Panruti constituency.

In a bid to prove the secular credentials of his party, Vijaykanth has given tickets to several Muslims and Christians.

The list of candidates also contains names of 18 women.

The party floated by the actor in September 2005 had been critical of both AIADMK and DMK. It had announced earlier that it would face polls on its own and contest all seats.

The AIADMK's hopes of striking an alliance with the fledging party were dashed when Vijaykanth demanded a share of power in the post-poll government.

The second and final list would be announced on April four, Vijaykanth said adding his party's manifesto would also be released in a couple of days.