Thol Thirumavalavan, leader of the Dalit Panthers of India, which is a constituent of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led front, has decided not to contest the May 8 Tamil Nadu assembly polls.

'Ideology, electoral alliance separate'

Disclosing this, Thirumavalavan told reporters that he would be concentrating on the party's campaign work all over the state, particularly in nine constituencies, to be contested by the party in alliance with the AIADMK.

Asked whether his decision was taken after a similar decision by Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief Vaiko or at the instance of alliance leader AIADMK, the DPI leader said he had decided not to contest the polls a month back.

As DPI wanted to get Election Commission's recognition as a state party, the candidates would be contesting on one of the free symbols and he would be taking efforts to popularise the symbol, he said.

He released the list of party's candidates for assembly polls. Following is the list - Sentamizhselvan (Muggaiyur), Selvaperunthgai (Mangalore), K Kovendan (Harur), Unjalarasu (Sirkazhi), Vetriselvan (Ulunderpet), Ilamaran (Sriperumpudur) Ravikumar (Kattumannerkoil), Atralasu (Chengam), Kalaiarasan (Valparai).