NDA, Cong seek Alagiri's backing

In yet another significant development, two candidates of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and a Congress Lok Sabha candidate met suspended DMK leader and former Union Minister M K Alagiri on Monday and sought his support for the general election.

A day after MDMK chief Vaiko met Alagiri and asked for his backing in the parliamentary polls, BJP national executive member and the party’s candidate for the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency H Raja, MDMK state propaganda secretary K Azhagu Sundaram contesting in the Theni Lok Sabha constituency, and T N Bharath Nachiyappan, a Congress candidate contesting from the Madurai Lok Sabha constituency met the dissident leader at his Madurai residence.

Talking to reporters after meeting Alagiri, Raja said, “He is my friend. I met Alagiri to personally thank him for his remarks that he (Alagiri) would welcome Narendra Modi becoming Prime Minister. I also sought his support for the BJP and candidates of its alliance,” he said.

When asked about Alagiri’s reaction to his request, Raja said, “He echoed similar words expressed to Vaiko.” Alagiri had told Vaiko when the latter called on him to seek his support, that “all will go well”. He had then wished for the success of his party candidates in the elections.

Raja is pitted against Karti Chidambaram, son of Union Finance Minister P.Chidambaram, who opted out of the electoral race to give way to the younger lot. Political leaders are hoping Alagiri’s anger against the Stalin faction will also benefit their respective parties, especially in the south region.