Cong. open to ties, DMK divided

DMK, DMDK need each other to keep AIADMK at bay

DMK president M. Karunanidhi may not be averse to the idea of re-aligning with Congress if there are promises from the Congress to justify the coming-together. His son and party treasurer M.K. Stalin, who played a major role in ending the relationship, is not favourably disposed to the idea.

Thursday’s meeting between Mr. Karunanidhi and Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is seen as a desperate attempt on the part of the Congress to revive the alliance, though the question of coming together was not talked about at the meeting.

Mr.Azad meeting Mr.Karunanidhi, in the presence of DMK leaders T. K. S. Elangovan, Durai Murugan, E. V. Velu and Kanimozhi, was more about Congress wanting to keep a channel open with the DMK, a leader with knowledge of the development said. “His visit is enough to make a political statement. It was meant to break the ice,” said a senior DMK leader close to Mr. Karunanidhi.

“It is not easy for us to reconsider the decision unless we get convincing explanations and promises from the Congress leadership on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue and the attack on Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy,” said the DMK leader.

Stalin’s view Mr Stalin and his supporters prefer an alliance with Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) led by actor Vijayakant.

He kept away from Thursday’s meeting at the CIT Colony residence of Mr Karunanidhi.

Ground reality Both the DMK and the Congress are under pressure to form an alliance as a four-cornered contest in Tamil Nadu during the Lok Sabha polls will only benefit the ruling AIADMK.

Leaders of these two parties have placed this argument before Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijayakant to bring him into their fold. Many DMDK MLAs also argued that they need the company of the DMK to withstand the onslaughts from the ruling AIADMK.

“If Mr Vijayakant joins our alliance, then we will become formidable as we already have two Dalit parties, VCK and Puthiya Tamizhagam, and two Muslim outfits, IUML and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi,” said the DMK leader.

“But everything depends on the Congress’s position,” the leader said, adding that the leaders of both the DMK and the Congress were in touch with Mr Vijayakant.