DMDK-BJP on shaky ground after differences on seat sharing

, Mar 14: The much hyped alliance between DMDK and BJP in

seems to have run aground in the wake of sharp differences between them over identification of constituencies.

Hours after DMDK chief Vijayakanth unilaterally announced the list of candidates and set out on a campaign trail, signalling that the talks have reached a roadblock, state BJP-in-charge Muralidhar Rao told reporters that the party could not finalise seats with DMDK, though it found common ground with that party.

"To create and sustain an alliance, there should be a spirit of give and take," he said. Seeking to downplay the abrupt development, he said certainty has however been reached on the number of seats to be contested by each party in the alliance, which also comprises MDMK and PMK, while identification of seats with these two parties is almost complete.

Asked about non-reference of either BJP or its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi by Vijayakant in his election campaign and also DMDK's announcement of candidates, he said it would be brought to the notice of party President Rajnath Singh.

He said the party would hold further discussions with its Central election committee members and then forward the recommendation to Rajnath Singh. Rao said he had convened the press meet to clarify the situation, following the announcement of candidates by DMDK.

PTI