The BJP may be set to extend its base in South India by forming an alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), as the merger of the two Dravida factions are on the cards following BJP’s interference. BJP will play the role of mediator between the two factions of AIADMK: one headed by chief minister E Palaniswamy and the other headed by former chief minister O Panneerselvam. It is also being believed that depending on the outcome of the talks, AIADMK is likely to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the centre. BJP is keen that the legacy of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa is protected and for that it is important that both Palaniswamy and Panneerselvam come together and end their differences. The saffron party will again play the role of a mediator or facilitator but leaders of AIADMK have to take the final decision and is expected to join the Union ministry with at least three representations holding post as ministers. Thus the party is widening its base and after Bihar a coup in Tamil Nadu is on the cards. But the pity is that the late J. Jayalalithaa could not enjoy the centre comfort despite having the numbers.
Lakshmi Shankar
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
