New alliances may be on cards for TN majors

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa’s move to let her ministers attend functions involving UPA ministers to mark Centrally-sponsored projects in the state has led to speculation whether the AIADMK could be warming up to the Congress. Shekhar Iyer reports.

Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa’s move to let her ministers attend functions involving UPA ministers to mark Centrally-sponsored projects in the state has led to speculation whether the AIADMK could be warming up to the Congress.

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Simultaneously, DMK leaders trying to send feelers to the BJP after Narendra Modi’s successful rally in Tiruchi on September 26, where he didn’t mention Jayalalithaa or criticise DMK, has not gone unnoticed.

AIADMK insiders, however, say Jayalalithaa’s move isn’t a signal for a Congress alliance. Instead, she may want to tell people that her government has a share in all welfare schemes.

She also wants to send a signal to TN Congress leaders and cadres who are opposed to a fresh tie-up with the DMK.

Jayalalithaa is eyeing the maximum number of Lok Sabha seats from TN and Pondicherry, with 40 seats, to play a key role at the Centre. Hence, she would be averse to a tie-up with either national party, they say.

DMK insiders say some of the party leaders want DMK chief M Karunanidhi to review his approach towards Narendra Modi as he is growing in popularity — though others fear a consolidation of minority votes against the party.

Last week, DMK chief M Karunanidhi wrote to non-AIADMK parties, including the BJP, to support his party candidate in the bypoll for Yercaud assembly seat.