DMK Closer to Clinching Poll Deal with DMDK
MADURAI: Ending weeks of suspense and uncertainty that was filled by speculations, the ‘most valued partner’, the DMDK, has finally decided to go with the DMK for the coming Assembly election, sources from both parties told Express.
A formal announcement will come after Tuesday — DMDK founder actor-politician Vijayakant, a firm believer in astrology, will announce this after new moon on that day, sources added.
According to sources, Vijayakant has resolved to go with the DMK, though his demand for power sharing may not be acceded to. Instead, the DMK has assured as many as 59 seats for starters, and a Rajya Sabha seat after the election. If sources are to be believed, there are two top businessmen who are mediating between the two parties in this regard.
Once this goes through, the main opposition front to take on the ruling AIADMK would have finally taken shape, something for which the DMK has been desperately trying for the past several months. Also, this would have an impact on the coalition and strategy of other parties and alliances, including the four-party People’s Welfare Alliance, the PMK and the BJP.
The BJP has been desperately trying to get Vijayakant on board — they were together as the third front during the Lok Sabha polls of 2014. His wife Premalatha, an influential power within the DMDK, reportedly prefers to continue this alliance, which would make him the chief ministerial candidate.
The BJP is promising them that and more. Sources said the offer includes a substantial number of seats of the total 234, and RS seats.
However, those close to Vijayakant say he is concerned that the national party would ditch it and go with the AIADMK after the elections, as it requires the latter’s support in the Parliament, especially in the Rajya Sabha. The NDA in TN has not been a single unit ever since the new government was formed at the Centre.
Also, the DMDK leadership is concerned that aligning with BJP would lead to splintering anti-incumbency votes, which could be advantageous only to the ruling party in the election.
Vijayakant would visit Tirupati in the coming days, and announce the final decision after new moon.