The PMK finalised its participation in the AIADMK-BJP alliance on Tuesday. The only sticking point in formalisation of the tie-up, which had forced BJP chief Amit Shah to cancel his visit to Chennai, was demands from the PMK. The announcement was made in Chennai where AIADMK leaders were waiting for Railways Minister Piyush Goyal to formally declare the tie-up.
The PMK, which retains influence among the Vanniyar community, will be contesting seven Lok Sabha seats as part of the AIADMK-BJP alliance. It will also get one Rajya Sabha seat from the state. The PMK had raised a 20-point list of demands on the welfare of Tamil Nadu.
In return for its inclusion in the AIADMK-BJP alliance, the PMK will extend support to the AIADMK in 21 assembly constituencies for which bypolls are due.
The announcement of support by the PMK is significant and is expected to boost the stability of the Edappadi K. Palaniswami government as eight of the constituencies due for bypolls are in northern districts of the state, where the PMK commands influence. The tie-up with the PMK has raised the possibility of the Palaniswami government remaining in office till 2021, when the next assembly polls are due.
While the number of seats the BJP is contesting is yet to be announced, the saffron party is expected to put up candidates in up to eight seats as part of the alliance. The seat share for the AIADMK, which will be leading the alliance, BJP and smaller parties is likely to be announced by Tuesday evening after Railways Minister Piyush Goyal finishes meetings with AIADMK leaders in Chennai.
(With inputs from Lakshmi Subramanian)
