It has always been a case of one-upmanship between the two major Dravidian parties, the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, in Tamil Nadu. From forging alliances, announcing candidates and releasing manifestoes, the two parties have tried to outdo the other.

Though J Jayalalithaa lagged behind the DMK in fielding candidates, she scored over her arch rival by holding the first political rally, where the leaders of her alliance parties turned up in full force.

Naturally, political observers were keen to see how the DMK and its allies would fare in their first rally on Saturday.

Image: The DMK held its first rally for the 2009 polls in Chennai on Saturday.

Also see: 'Amma' leads Third Front to poll battle | Coverage: India Votes 2009

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