BJP yet to finalise alliance partners in Tamil Nadu

Even after hectic parleys in the last one month, uncertainty still looms large in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) electoral tie-up with its alliance partners, especially with actor Vijayakanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and Ramadoss-led Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

Party president Rajnath Singh is likely to visit Chennai on Thursday to address the issue. The finalisation of seat sharing in several constituencies including Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi could not be reached as it involved the PMK and the DMDK, both traditional rivals in northern Tamil Nadu.

In addition, the PMK high command is yet to wake up to the reality of working with Vijayakanth as the party had in 2011 Assembly elections campaigned vigorously against the actor-turned politician, who tried to replace the PMK in its traditional region.

“By Thursday, we will know whether the PMK is in our alliance or not. There is no point in prolonging the talks beyond tomorrow as our leaders in Tamil Nadu have to sort out the seat sharing arrangements to present the final equation to the Central leadership,” a senior BJP leader said. 

He also said that Rajnath Singh is expected to come to Chennai not only to solve the issue but also announce the final agreement with the allies officially. According to the party sources the PMK, which was about to break its ties with the BJP on Tuesday, was held back from on Tuesday following an intervention of the BJP high command from Delhi.

The PMK high command is under severe pressure from its cadres since even before the seat sharing talks could begin, the party had not only announced its candidates for its preferred Salem, Tiruvannamalai and Kallakurichi but also even started campaigning besides spending considerable money on poll canvasing.

Though PMK is ready to sacrifice Tiruvannamalai, the DMDK is adamant in contesting three seats.