Will Vijay's TVK Join BJP-Led NDA Ahead Of TN Polls? Amit Shah Reacts

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken about the rumours of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) joining the BJP-led NDA alliance ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

Speaking to Dina Thanthi, Shah hinted that while "everything will become clear in some time as there is still enough time for the elections," he did not dismiss the possibility.

Shah's remarks come amid ongoing political shifts in Tamil Nadu. When questioned about efforts to unite factions of the AIADMK, he stated, "I have not made any effort to unite those who have split from the AIADMK. They should decide the affairs of the party themselves."

Crucially, Dhinakaran's AMMK and OPS, both previously expelled from the AIADMK, had forged an alliance with the BJP for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a move that came after the AIADMK had already severed its ties with the saffron party. The AIADMK is not comfortable with Dhinakaran and OPS being part of the alliance, reports said earlier.

NDA's Election Strategy

Looking forward to the assembly elections, Shah expressed confidence in NDA's chances. "We will tell the people about the failures of the DMK government and the achievements of Prime Minister Modi. Both of these will play an important role in this election," he affirmed. Highlighting BJP's success in forming governments in over 20 states, he asserted, "We will go to the elections in Tamil Nadu in the same way. The National Democratic Alliance will definitely form the government in Tamil Nadu."

The interview also covered several contentious issues raised by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, including allegations against the Central Government concerning Keezhadi excavation and Katchatheevu island dispute.

Contentious Issues Addressed

Responding to Keezhadi allegations, Shah clarified, "Wherever ancient civilization is discovered in the country, it is a matter of pride for all of India. Even if it is in Tamil Nadu, it is a matter of pride for all of us in India. But the world accepts this only on the basis of international quality evidence. Therefore, I hope the Tamil Nadu government will cooperate. Everyone is proud. No one has a problem with it."

On Katchatheevu, Shah stated, "Our aim is to do what can be done on the basis of international procedures in the case of Katchatheevu." He distanced BJP from Muruga devotees' conference criticisms regarding alleged remarks against Periyar and Anna by clarifying it was a Hindu Munani event.

Funding Concerns

Regarding non-allocation of funds to Tamil Nadu under Samudra Shiksha scheme, Shah mentioned, "As per my understanding, the Tamil Nadu government has signed an agreement but it has not been implemented. This is a matter under Ministry of Education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is looking after this."