Chennai: Every vote counts. Knowing this fully well than any other parties in these parts are the AIADMK and DMK, the two major players of Tamilnadu politics.

In the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls and by-elections to 18 Assembly constituencies, these parties are leaving no stone unturned to muster support. Both are targeting smaller parties, caste organisations and local associations with an eye on their votes and campaigning capacity, and are ready to meet their ‘demands’ in return.

And, cashing in on this ‘stalk-holm syndrome’ are leaders of so-called letter-pad parties. Sources say that both the DMK and the AIADMK have formed special teams to identify such outfits and strike a deal.

Says a leader of a struggling organisation, “A leading party approached us recently and requested our support. When we put forth a few demands, we were doubtful whether they would be accepted. But, to our surprise, all of them were met and we were immediately given an appointment to meet their chief to formally give the support letter. Our members are now campaigning for that party-led alliance.”

Explaining how these namesake parties are selected, an office-bearer of a Dravidian major says, “There is no hard and fast rule. Since there is no dearth of smaller parties and local organisations in Tamilnadu, we look for the authentic number of members they have and the impact their support can make in a particular locality or among a specific community. We will then approach them and ask them about their expectations. If everything goes well, they will be asked to meet our supremo and present support letter. Then they will accompany us in campaigns and ask their support base to vote for us.”

Even some popular outfits of yesteryear, which now face political oblivion, have fallen into this category. The list includes a party headed by an actor, a caste-based outfit well-known on the outskirts and a ‘minority welfare’ organisation.

“Politics is a hardcore business and it is all about staying relevant. Don’t be surprised if a few parties, given one or two seats in the AIADMK and the DMK alliances for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, attain the letter-pad status during the next polls,” says P Shankar, a political analyst.