‘Convergence of interest with AIADMK on issues’

However, the BJP-led alliance in the State “is very much functional”

In what could be seen as a sign of the growing proximity between the AIADMK and the BJP, Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, said on Thursday that there was a convergence of interest on issues between the parties.

“As far as the relationship with the AIADMK goes, I can say there is a convergence of interest on issues,” he said before addressing party workers at Kamalalayam, the BJP headquarters in the State.

However, Mr. Prasad was quick to add that the BJP’s existing alliance continued. “The alliance we currently have with other Tamil parties is very much functional.”

With the “declining clout of the DMK” in the State and the Congress at an all-time low nationally, the BJP had an opportunity to expand in Tamil Nadu. “The party has to work hard for this.”

Asked whether this meant the BJP wanted to be an alternative to the AIADMK as well, Mr. Prasad said the party wanted to be a “strong pole” in the State.

Timing of the meeting

Meanwhile, asked about the timing of Mr. Prasad’s meeting with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on a day when a Bangalore court reserved orders in the disproportionate assets case against her, DMK president M. Karunanidhi said it was neither fair nor proper to blame the Centre for this.

“I trust that the Law Minister, functioning under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will not act in a manner that will bring disrepute to the Centre,” he said.