PMK joins BJP coalition and rejects AIADMK's invitation
- In Reports
- 02:06 PM, Mar 19, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has put an end to speculation by announcing its decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This move comes after days of deliberation and amidst expectations of potential collaboration with the AIADMK.
Party general secretary Vadivel Ravanan has stated that PMK founder Dr. S Ramadoss will soon make a formal announcement regarding the number of Lok Sabha seats and the candidates to be fielded. This development is seen as a boost for the BJP, which has thus far struggled to secure alliances with larger parties.
The party announced its decision following a crucial executive committee meeting held at Thailapuram in Villupuram district, which saw the participation of the party’s district secretaries, presidents, and key office-bearers. When asked about the potential impact of forming an alliance with the BJP on the PMK, Ravanan stated, “We don’t believe so. Having an alliance with the BJP will prove beneficial for the PMK and would bode well for the party's future.”
In the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the PMK formed alliances with both the AIADMK and the BJP. This alliance also extended to the 2021 Assembly elections. However, in September 2021, the PMK withdrew from the AIADMK-led alliance, just before the local body polls.
There have been several informal discussions between the AIADMK and PMK, with senior AIADMK leader CVe Shanmugam meeting PMK founder S Ramadoss on multiple occasions. However, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami recently stated that the AIADMK is not engaged in discussions with the PMK, indicating that negotiations are currently focused solely on the DMDK. This suggests that the alliance between the AIADMK and PMK may not materialise.
PMK MLA R Arul visited the residence of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in Chennai and engaged in discussions. This raised expectations that the PMK was leaning towards forming an alliance with the AIADMK. However, following a party meeting held at Thailapuram, the decision was made to ally with the BJP instead.
AIADMK spokesperson Kovai M Satyan played down the significance of the development, emphasising the party's ability to contest independently based on its large cadre base. Satyan expressed doubts about the potential success of the PMK-BJP alliance, suggesting it may not resonate with Tamil Nadu voters.
A senior leader of the AIADMK stated, "We don't perceive this as a setback. AIADMK has previously contested elections independently and achieved historic results. An electoral alliance comprises like-minded parties. It's preferable to form alliances with parties that share our ideology rather than facing challenges with those who do not align with our principles and label it as a mega alliance."
Image source: Indian Express
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