With non-BJP leaders from across regional spectrum converging in Bihar to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the Nitish Kumar government on Friday, the DMK is sensing an opportunity for the emergence of a national secular front.
DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin, who was deputed by party leader M Karunanidhi to represent the DMK at the event, felt that the political climate in Bihar augured well for the country and a mega alliance would herald a change in national politics. The DMK would be ready to work in such a front in the country, though at the moment its concerns were regional in nature with the Assembly election around the corner.
“The prospects are very high for the (national) alliance,” said Mr. Stalin, who also handed to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar a congratulatory note from his father Karunanidhi.
Significantly, other political leaders from Tamil Nadu did not attend the swearing in ceremony.
Referring to the presence of leaders like Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Aravind Kejriwal and senior leaders such as Farooq Abdulla, Sharad Yadav and D. Raja, the DMK leader inferred that it had a deeper significance and was not merely a guest-gracing occasion.
“I had a long discussion with Mamata Banerjee and she was very particular about knowing Tamil Nadu politics and DMK’s activities,” he said.
However, CPI national secretary D. Raja dismissed the suggestion saying the gathering of the leaders could not be considered as a springboard for launching a national front.
“Every State has its unique situation and a State-wise assessment has to be made before deciding on alliances. In Bihar, it was the goal of the Left to defeat the BJP and this has happened. Electoral decisions will be based on emerging circumstances,” Mr Raja told The Hindu .
Stalin feels political climate in Bihar augured well for the country
