Tamil Nadu polls 2016: Uncertainty over poll alliance -Governance Now

Tamil Nadu polls 2016: Uncertainty over poll alliance

Shivani Chaturvedi | February 12, 2016 | Chennai

Uncertainty prevails over political alliance in Tamil Nadu ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. Speculations are rife that M Karunanidhi-led DMK might tie up with the BJP. But for now all eyes are on Karunanidhi to see what he decides on political alignment. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagaam is expected to decide on the poll alliance on February 20.

Experts in Chennai believe that there is a division of opinion within the DMK and the Karunanidhi’s family itself. One group wants the party to join hands with the BJP whereas the other is strongly opposed to the BJP.

It is evident that every party is trying all sorts of alliance. It is only J Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK that is confident going to the polls alone and is not running for alliance.

In this scheme of things, many analysts and sources close to the party feel that the DMK has worked out some truce to bring back former union minister and Karunanidhi’s elder son MK Azhagiri in the party. Azhagiri’s formal entry into the party is yet at abeyance and it may happen pre or post polls.

“There are prospects for Azhagiri re-joining the DMK. Azhagiri will not work against the interest of the DMK. Without his support DMK would lose some base in southern Tamil Nadu,” says political observer.

However, few political observers pointed out that irrespective of the advantages, Azhagiri can dent party’s image. Political observer Gnani Sankaran says, “DMK’s drubbing in the southern districts is more because of Azhagiri’s behaviour. Even 2G scam did not matter much for people of southern districts. Without Azhagiri the DMK is safe.”

Further he argues that it is Karunanidhi’s first wife Dayalu Ammal who supported Azhagiri. But as she is unwell there is no one to support him now. This has further weakened Azhagiri’s position.

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