By Dinasena Rathugamage
The Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has decided against nominating retired High Court Judge Manikkavasagam Ilanchelian as its candidate for Chief Minister of the Northern Province at the upcoming Provincial Council election, senior party sources confirmed yesterday (16).
According to insiders, the party leadership had from the outset agreed that the Chief Ministerial nomination should go to an individual who has served the party with longstanding commitment. Against this backdrop, former MP and senior lawyer M.A. Sumanthiran is widely seen as holding a clear advantage within internal deliberations.
The decision comes amid growing calls from sections of the Northern public urging ITAK to field Ilanchelian, following reports that the retired judge was prepared to enter the contest. His reputation for integrity and public service has drawn appeals for the party to open the door for his candidacy.
Party sources, however, maintain that such an option is not being considered.
In response to this stance, several Northern academics participating in a recent media discussion warned that if Ilanchelian opts to contest for the Chief Minister post under another Tamil political party, the election could see heightened competition and a significant reshaping of the political landscape.
The panel of scholars further urged Tamil political parties to exercise restraint until an official announcement is made regarding the long-delayed Provincial Council polls. They stressed that once the election schedule is confirmed, parties should collectively prioritise selecting the most suitable and broadly acceptable candidate for the Chief Ministerial role through dialogue and consensus.
