Opposition disagrees on allies: R Sarathkumar

He spoke to DT Next on how other parties would find it hard to form an alliance when each had a chief ministerial candidate on its agenda; the business of alliances and how the current government is on the right track.

Vijayakanth is already a dwindling force. Initially, in 2005, there were a lot of expectations, and when he delivered that 8 per cent vote share he became sought after. But now he is down to 2.5 per cent.

You mean Stalin’s new marketing strategy, changing from the traditional veshti to modern attire. He and some others are trying the American model. But will it work in TN?

They are too dependent on being together. The big question is: how will they form an alliance? Everyone’s agenda is to become the CM. How will they arrive at a Chief Ministerial candidate agreeable to everybody? The BJP in TN will not be looked upon as a trustworthy, formidable challenger. The Congress does not have the leadership to take it forward. Only Rahul Gandhi is there to campaign for them. The DMK too is dependent on an alliance; maybe the DMK and DMDK will come together and try their luck.

Then they will end up splitting the votes. Only the AIADMK can fight alone and win.

I disagree. There is no anti-incumbency factor at all since the AIADMK has kept all its poll promises. The price rise is not a state-created phenomenon, and issues, like tur dal supply, are being addressed by the AIADMK govt. As for development, the Global Investors Meet was a huge success and investments will materialise. People in TN want jobs, good infrastructure. They also need a sensible liquor policy, and the present government is on the right track. In fact, the AIADMK will return to power and definitely win over 200 seats.

We are a nine-year-old party and we have travelled with the AIADMK for the last four-and-a-half years. We won because of them.