As the 2019 General elections come nearer, the buzz around the alliance between BJP and AIADMK have started gaining momentum, after both its leaders are holding meetings and discussions on the issue. The state has 39 Lok Sabha seats and currently has an AIADMK government, with DMK in opposition.
BJP president Amit Shah has already cleared that his party will forge a “strong” alliance, to tackle the formation of Mahagtabandhan (grand alliance) in the country. While addressing a handloom and power loom association in Erode on Thursday, he slammed the opposition alliance, citing its lack of leadership and goal. He said that within a short span, the national party will cobble up a strong alliance in Tamil Nadu to lead the nation. He also added that the NDA-alliance will contest all the seats of the state.
He also slammed the DMK supremo Stalin, who is rather active in the formation of an opposition alliance, and had also attended the Mahagatbandha’s expression of strength rally at Kolkata, recently. Amit Shah also mentioned the instance when Stalin had proposed Congress present Rahul Gandhi’s name for the future Prime Minister post but had not received any positive response from its other allies. He labelled the DMK’s alliance an alliance with no leader, no principal and no philosophy and that it is formed with only intention to loot the country.
BJP chief’s remarks have come a day after AIADMK deputy coordinator R. Vaithilingam remarked that his party is indeed in talks with other parties, including BJP, to make a strong alliance in the state. He also indicated that the party is also holding discussions with PMK and the DMDK, state’s regional outfits. Vaithilingam also added that outcomes can only be announced after its party’s coordinator O. Panneerselvam and Joint coordinator and CM of Tamil Nadu K. Palaniswami, decide to do so.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal reached Tamil Nadu on Thursday and addressed media regarding the issue of alliance. At the airport, he told media that PM Modi has undertaken various initiatives for the state, and said that PM Modi expects support from the people of the state. He also added that he is deeply attached to state and wants the voice of people of the state to reach Delhi, when BJP forms the government again at centre, later this year. Piyush Goyal was accompanied by BJP state leaders Pon Radhakrishnan and Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan.
They met Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Thangamani and Municipal and Rural Administration Minister SP Velumani, at former Chairman of Sakthi Group, Pollachi Mahalingam’s house. They reportedly held discussions regarding the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming elections.
Last month, during the ‘Meera Booth Sabze majbooth‘ program, PM Modi was asked about the rumours regarding BJP’s alliance with AIADMK, DMK or actor Rajnikanth’s party. “Even when BJP won the majority on its own, we preferred to run the government with our allies. We cherish old friends, and our doors are always open for parties. It is more important to deal with an alliance with people than parties.” PM Modi had answered the question. He also had added that strong NDA is an article of faith and not a compulsion.
