MADURAI: The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam joining the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will have its consequences at the Centre, according to Bharatiya Janata Party leader M. Venkaiah Naidu.

He attributed the exit of the MDMK from the Democratic Progressive Alliance to the strained relationship with the DMK. "The MDMK has taken a new path as it was unhappy with the DMK," he told reporters here on Saturday.

Stating that political observers had predicted that the "alliance arithmetic" was in favour of the DMK-led DPA, he said the "situation will definitely change [now]. This [the MDMK move] will have a demoralising effect on the DPA in the State and the UPA at the Centre."

Conceding that the BJP was not a major force in Tamil Nadu, he said the party had in principle agreed to go to the polls alone. However, the final decision on the issue would be taken during the meeting of the district and State-level office-bearers of the party, to be held on March 6 and 7.

The stability of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at the Centre will weaken after the Assembly elections of the five States scheduled to be held this summer, Mr. Naidu said.

He expected a further realignment of political forces at the Centre as "the [UPA] allies were becoming increasingly uneasy."

The Janata Dal (Secular), an ally of the UPA, joined hands with the BJP to form the Government in Karnataka. The differences of opinions among the alliance partners with regard to several issues, including Iran, the nuclear deal and the visit of the U.S. President, have come to the fore.

"The Left parties, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and Telangana Rashtra Samithi were already unhappy with the UPA," he said. "The Prime Minister was going to the airport to welcome the U.S. President, but the Communist parties were taking to the streets. This is an indication that the UPA is withering and it is now Divided Progressive Alliance."

When asked about the party's reaction to the nuclear deal signed between the U.S. and India, Mr. Naidu said the BJP was waiting for the Prime Minister to make an official statement on the issue in the Parliament.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail