The AIADMK will form a mega coalition for the Lok Sabha polls, as per the wishes of the people, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam said on Monday.
“Once the election dates are announced, we will move swiftly and form a mega alliance in accordance with the wishes of the people,” Mr. Panneerselvam said while addressing the media. “We are ready to face any polls, be it the local body polls or the Lok Sabha elections,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the speculation about a BJP-AIADMK coalition was premature, and was only an assumption by the media. “The BJP has allied with the DMK and the AIADMK in the past. Anything can happen during the elections,” he said. “When there is a definite decision, we will inform you,” Mr. Panneerselvam said.
On BJP State president Tamilisai Soundararajan’s oft-repeated statement that “the ‘lotus’ (BJP symbol) will definitely bloom in Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Panneerselvam said that each party had its own ideology and the party cadre will express their views based on that. “They are saying it because of their ideology. Why are you taking it in a wrong way?” he asked.
On Kodanad case
About the charges levelled against Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami by two of the accused in the Kodanad estate heist and murder case, Mr. Panneerselvam said the crime was committed two years ago. “The weak Opposition parties that are unable to fight us are trying to defame us and gain political mileage. We will fight this and take necessary action,” he added.
He questioned why the allegations were being made now, two years after the crime was committed, especially when the election dates were set to be announced. “If anyone has any evidence, they should take it to the police,” he said.
