BJP-MDMK alliance in Tamil Nadu: An analysis

Chennai, Jan 23: In an attempt to dethrone Congress, the

and

on Thursday officially announced their alliance for the Lok Sabha polls even as the former is said to be holding talks with two other regional parties (Vijayakanth's

and S Ramadoss-led

) in the state.

While addressing a joint press meet, the BJP state president Pon Radhakrishnan and MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, who has huge influence in the southern Tamil Nadu, said their alliance was a "winning combination and would add a new political dimension in the state".

Asserting there is a 'Modi wave' in the country, Vaiko said only BJP has the power to dethrone the Congress. Now, Modi will also address a public meeting in Chennai on February 8.

To reach to the magic number of 272, the BJP must form as much alliances as possible. In South, after the BJP's rout in Karnataka politics, the party must strengthen its prospects in other southern states.

Besides discussing about sharing of constituencies, today's meeting between the BJP and MDMK could also be seen as a 'pressure tactics' to make DMDK President Vijayakanth to act fast.

MDMK is a Dravidian party, formed in 1994 in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

Like Vaiko, PMK chief Ramadoss had also welcomed Modi's PM candidature for the upcoming general elections. PMK has much influence over the Vanniyar community in the northern part of Tamil Nadu.

Vijayakanth's DMDK has become the most sought after political party in TN.

In 1998 and 1999 Lok Sabha elections, BJP had won Kanyakumari, Coimbatore, Tiruchi, Tirupur and the Nilgiris constituencies. This time also, it is hoping for the same winning spree.

Tamil Nadu parties accept 'Modi wave'

Modi's 'magic' seemed to have gained momentum when he addressed a huge rally in Tiruchi last September.

The state's BJP cadres have already started 'village-to-village' campaign called "Veeduthorum Modi, Ullamthorum Thamarai" (Modi in every household and Lotus in every heart) that aims to highlight 'Modi's achievements' and 'corruption under the UPA rule'

Actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth's DMDK cynosure of all eyes?

With 8 to 10 per cent vote share, the DMDK has become the most sought after political party in Tamil Nadu.

Although, the BJP state president Pon Radhakrishnan is confident that Vijayakanth won't support Congress or parties associated with the Congress, but the DMDK president has kept the party in suspense for quite a long time, thus, presenting no clear picture. BJP is trying to rope him through Tamilaruvi Manian.

Meanwhile, the ruling-Congress is also speaking to him through central minister GK Vasan.

DMK is also wooing him through VCK leader Tirumavalavan and Muslim fronts like MMK, a local Muslim outfit and Christian fronts. Karunanidhi has extended open invitation to him through media many times in the last one week.

It was reported that the Muslim front leaders met Vijayakanth in Malaysia four days ago and asked him not to join "communal" BJP alliance.

'Captain' Vijayakanth was staying in his Muslim friend's home in Malaysia. But he didn't give any assurance to DMK too.

MMK president Jawahirullah told a mediahouse that Vijayakanth will take a 'final decision' at his party's state conclave to be held on February 2 at Ulundurpet in Villupuram district.

While rendering more suspense to the future course of action of DMDK boss, it has come to light that Vijayakanth may have plans of forging a tie-up with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)!

So, when the whole nation is talking about growth and prosperity based politics and campaign, in Tamil Nadu the whole election scenario is focused on ''Where will Vijayakanth go?''

If Vijaykanth (DMDK) and Congress join DMK alliance, then the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa will have to go for 'Plan B' which means, she can't go alone.

In that case, she may have to tie-up with BJP at the last moment. In such a case, Left parties in her alliance will be thrown on the road. But, both BJP and Vaiko will get very less number of seats from her.

In Andhra Pradesh, the Chandrababu Naidu led- Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is set to join alliance with NDA.