A significant political development unfolded today as a former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP, along with 15 former Tamil Nadu MLAs, officially shifted allegiance to the BJP. This strategic move is expected to bolster the saffron party's influence within the state.

Among the defectors were former MLAs representing various political factions including the AIADMK, DMK, Congress, and the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam DMDK.

The transition of these leaders into the BJP fold was publicly endorsed during a ceremony attended by Union ministers Rajeev Chandrasekhar and L Murugan, along with Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai.

Announcing the significant influx of veteran politicians into the BJP, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai revealed that among the newcomers, some boast half a century of political experience while others have been affiliated with the state's foundational political parties.

They collectively converged at the party headquarters in New Delhi to formally align themselves with the BJP and seek the blessings of party president J P Nadda. This marks a historic moment for Tamil Nadu politics as never before have 16 individuals simultaneously joined the BJP. Notably, two former MLAs had previously integrated into the party during the 'En Mann En Makkal' yatra.

Former Chidambaram MP V Kulandaivelu and former MLA S Gurunathan, who was elected from the Palayamkottai constituency in 1989 under the DMK banner, have crossed over to the opposing camp. Joining them are former Congress MLA R Thangaraju, elected from Andimatam in 1991, and former DMDK MLA K Tamilagan, who secured victory in the Thittakudi constituency in 2011.

Upon receiving their party cards from Chandrasekhar, these leaders enthusiastically chanted slogans such as "Bharat Mata Ki Jai" and "Modiji Zindabad", signaling their allegiance to the new party.

During the event, Annamalai expressed enthusiasm over leaders from Tamil Nadu joining forces to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's recent statement about keeping options open for alliances, Annamalai clarified that Shah's remarks were not limited to AIADMK and reiterated the NDA's stance of welcoming parties willing to strengthen PM Modi's leadership.

He stated, "The shape and form of the alliance will be announced in the upcoming days. We are only in the first week of February, there is still time left. Anyone can join the NDA alliance. accepting PM Modi’s leadership. We are not going to force anyone, many parties are in talks with us."

Image source: Indian Express