CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat on Monday expressed the hope that the AIADMK-Left alliance would ensure success in Tamil Nadu in the general election and also contribute to providing an alternative to the country.
Asked whether appeals had been made to secular and democratic forces to be part of the alternative front, he said discussions were on with various parties.
“When we come to some understanding for agreement we will let you know. Wait for a few more days,” he said, addressing reporters along with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa at her Poes Garden residence here.
How different would the third front be from the earlier efforts? Mr. Karat said: “All I can say is that there are a large number of parties — non-Congress and non-BJP — which have substantial support and strength and the same would be reflected in the coming election.”
While expressing confidence that the AIADMK-Left alliance would be very successful, Ms. Jayalalithaa sought to put to rest the discussion on the possibility of her being projected as a prime ministerial candidate.
“This is not the time for anyone to discuss and decide who the next Prime Minister will be. It is pointless for any political party to enter into this question now. It will be arrived at only after the election results are out.”
Ms. Jayalalithaa declined to answer a question on her rapport with the BJP, particularly with its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, saying the purpose of this meeting was to announce the alliance. “We are not going to take any more questions,” she said.
In the meantime, CPI State secretary D. Pandian refuted reports in some sections of the media that his party had sought two Lok Sabha seats from the AIADMK.
“We have not yet started talks on seat-sharing. The news was published with a view to creating confusion in the party circles,” he said in a statement.
