After a period of lull, the BJP is holding hectic parleys with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), led by actor Vijayakant, but other prospective allies such as PMK and the MDMK are upset that the DMDK is getting “undue” importance even though there is no commitment from the party for an alliance.
In Madurai, BJP’s State president Pon. Radhakrishnan told reporters on Friday that “good news could be expected in a few days.” But the DMDK-BJP talks are bogged down over the number of seats to be ceded to the former. “The talks are being held between second-level leaders. Once we narrow down and a broad understanding is reached, the issue will be brought to the core committee of the BJP for ironing out the details,” said a senior BJP leader. The DMDK began demanding as many as 20 seats, but came down to 16 after many rounds of talks. “Still the number is on the higher side as we need to accommodate more allies,” said the senior leader.
On the other hand, BJP’s other allies, especially the PMK, is upset over the “undue” importance given to the DMDK when it is keeping its options open.
“Mr. Vijayakant went to Delhi to meet Congress leaders in the guise of submitting a memorandum concerning issues Tamil Nadu. Since he could not get any firm commitment on his terms and was unable to meet Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, he is once again swaying towards the BJP,” a PMK source said.
While the PMK is demanding 4 seats for itself and two for its allies in the Social Democratic Alliance, the BJP is ready to allot only 12 seats, it is said.
“A few BJP leaders want to enter the fray and feel that the presence of the DMDK alone can ensure their victory. That is why they are giving us a short shrift,” complained a PMK source.
A senior DMDK MLA said political parties were desperate to have his party in their alliance because its assured vote bank could prove to be the difference between victory and defeat. “Naturally, we bargain hard. Our Captain is in no hurry to reveal his plans. He will not announce with whom we will be casting our lot till the Election Commission announces the polling schedule,” he clarified.
