CHENNAI, April19 (UNI)

Puthiya Thamizhagam (PT) founder president K Krishnasamy would be contesting from the Ottapidaram and Valparai (Reserved) Constituencies in the May ten assembly elections.He released the list of remaining three candidates along with the party's manifesto here, according to which P Duraisami, Sankarankoil (Reserved) constituency; S Thangappandi, Vasudevanallur (Reserved) constituency would contest.

Dr Krishnasamy said his party's objective would be for the upliftment of all backward classes. That is why he was contesting from two constituencies, he added.Denying any differences with Thirumavalavan of Dalit Panthers of India, he said he would campaign jointly with him for the NDA-DMK Front, whenever necessary. Leaders from all parties in the NDA including Mr Thirumavalavan would be invited for his party's campaign on April 24 or 25, he asserted.

Criticising MDMK leader Vaiko for charging that the DMK Front was casteist, Dr Krishnasamy exhorted Mr Vaiko to come back to the NDA Front. ''Mr Vaiko had been a long standing friend, but his present political decision is not not in good taste. His recent utterances only seem to be an advantage to AIADMK leader J Jayalalitha,'' he added.

Meanwhile, the PT's manifesto promised to press the government to enable Dalits and other oppressed classes to earn a decent livelihood, and would strive to ensure 19 per cent reservation for them in government jobs.