In the first sign of the possibility of expansion of the BJP-led NDA, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa despatched a “personal letter” to Narendra Modi to congratulate him for his party's “magnificent win” in the elections.
Modi in turn called her up on Sunday to thank her for the gesture, indicating the BJP's readiness for the expansion of the alliance to shore up strength in Parliament.
Adding importance to the move, BJP president Rajnath Singh too spoke to the AIADMK chief over phone.
With 37 members in the new Lok Sabha and 11 members in Rajya Sabha, Jayalalithaa's party, along with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal, are on the BJP's list of possible future allies.
Jayalalithaa's decision to write to Modi followed her statement that she was happy about his success and “wished the new prime minister well”.
“It was her initiative to send a message to BJP leaders, who must respond. The ball was in their court,” said AIADMK sources, adding that any proposal from Modi for not just floor cooperation in Parliament but even joining the government would receive a favourable response.
Despite a complete sweep of Tamil Nadu in the elections, Jayalalithaa was disappointed that the AIADMK would not enjoy the kind of leverage at the Centre as she had expected earlier.
The BJP secured absolute majority on its own. Therefore, the AIADMK is in no position to place any demand.
But the BJP needs her party's 11 members in Rajya Sabha, where it does not have a majority, as reported by Deccan Herald on Sunday.DH News Service
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