DMDK derecognised for scoring a duck

CHENNAI: Vijaykant's Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, has been stripped of its title of being a 'state party' after a humiliating performance in the recent Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. Failing to win a single seat, the main loss for the party is their status. The derecognition means the DMDK will no longer have exclusive access to the drum symbol. Law suggests that the Election Commission of India accords the recognition of 'state party' to any registered outfit that wins eight per cent of the total votes cast in a general election. The status may also be given to a party if it wins three per cent of the seats in the Assembly. Actor-turned-politician, party chief Vijaykant had launched the party as an alternative to existing majors AIADMK, and DMK. His party contested in 104 seats, won nothing with even Vijaykant losing his deposit in the Ulundurpettai constituency, by a margin of 47,500 votes. The party will now have to revaluate its positioning in Tamil Nadu's politics if it wants to make a comeback.