Not BJP, Vijay's TVK Was AIADMK's First Choice For Alliance: RSS Ideologue S Gurumurthy

RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy, editor of political weekly magazine Thuglak, has said that Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was the first choice of the AIADMK alliance.

What Gurumurthy Said?

In an interview with Thanthi TV, Gurumurthy said that the Dravidian major sealed a deal with the BJP after its failed attempt to forge alliance with Vijay's TVK. When asked why the AIADMK chose the BJP, he explained that the alliance was formed with the primary objective of defeating the DMK.

"Alliances typically solidify closer to elections," Gurumurthy noted. On asking why both the parties stitched alliance a year before the polls, the RSS ideologue stated, "That is Amit Shah's strategy. He plans ahead," He noted, "If two parties had gone solo that could have split the votes. The BJP has a 12% vote share, and if the AIADMK goes solo, they could push it to 24%. But would that help their growth? Their options were clear-either strengthen the DMK indirectly or join forces to defeat it. The AIADMK chose the latter."

He further remarked, "The AIADMK could have partnered with anyone to defeat the DMK, but Vijay was unavailable. That's why they turned to the BJP. In my view, Vijay was their preferred ally."

Gurumurthy pointed out that Vijay had openly criticized the BJP, not the AIADMK. Additionally, he cited rumors of ongoing talks between Vijay and the AIADMK, suggesting a "natural alliance" between the two. However, he acknowledged complications: "Had Vijay demanded 80-90 seats, many AIADMK leaders would have lost their positions. Imagine Vijay getting deputy chief minister post with 90 seats-what would happen to ministers like Velumani or Thangamani? Such demands would weaken Edappadi's authority."

He concluded, "A popular mass leader-one who can draw crowds of 10,000 or 20,000-could easily become deputy chief minister. But how much power would the chief minister retain? He'd merely preside over meetings. So, while some argue this alliance is natural, others see it as forced."

Last week, Union Home Minister and BJP's master strategist Amit Shah announced that the next Tamil Nadu elections will be fought under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership at national level and Edappadi K. Palaniswami's leadership at the state level.

Why Did TVK-AIADMK Talks Fail?

The talks between the two parties failed over the conditions laid by the TVK, The Times of India reported citing multiple AIADMK insiders. The Vijay's party insisted on leading the alliance, wanted the actor to be projected as the Chief Ministerial candidate, and demanded 50% of the 234 Assembly seats. If the alliance emerges victorious, Vijay should be made the Chief Minister for first half of the tenure.