AIADMK Chief Jayalalithaa (File photo)
The AIADMK in Tamil Nadu and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have struck an electoral alliance to contest the Lok Sabha Polls. Both sides announced this after AIADMK Chief Jayalalithaa met A B Bardhan, the General Secretary of the CPI at her Chenna residence.
Ms Jayalalithaa said, "AIADMK and CPI have decided to enter into an alliance for Lok Sabha polls. More details will be shared later. Our aim is to work together".
An optimistic Mr Bardhan said, "Our alliance would lead to victory". When asked if the alliance would project Ms Jayalalithaa as their Prime Ministerial candidate, he said, "If the alliance succeeds, prospects are open to her". "PM issue will come later. Our aim is to work together," Ms Jayalalithaa was quick to add.
Prakash Karat, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India [Marxist] is scheduled to meet Ms Jayalalithaa on Monday. The left parties had fought the last assembly polls with the AIADMK.
The AIADMK had helped the left candidates to be elected to the Rajya Sabha last year and this year.
The DMK which has snapped ties with the Congress forged an alliance with smaller parties like the Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi [VCK], Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and Puthiya Thamizhagam. The party is trying to rope in actor Vijayakanth's DMDK.
The Congress party is yet to find new allies in the state. Allegations that it did not do enough for the Lankan Tamils cause during and after the final phase of the war in Sri Lanka could harm the parties prospects here.