AIADMK divided over BJP tie-up after Munusamy speech

Speculations are rife that the camp led by AIADMK coordinator O Panneerselvam and state Ministers are keen on alliance with the BJP, while a section of party seniors have reiterated their stand that the AIADMK should go alone in the upcoming Assembly polls. 

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is upset with the BJP’s frequent comments related to the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate, is also getting inputs from his trusted lieutenants over the pros and cons of allying with the BJP, AIADMK sources said. 

“CM Palaniswami is clear, if the BJP fails to accept him CM candidate then there are every possibility for the alliance to break,” a highly placed AIADMK senior told DT Next confirming that the veiled attack by Munusamy targeting BJP is a signal to the party to handle its ally with “care”. 

Palaniswami, who is keen on seeking a second term as CM had also planned a serious of election campaigns over the next three days. He is touring western districts as part of the campaign and a series of public meetings are scheduled in Namakkal for the next few days, the senior added. “Only the Ministers want an alliance with the BJP, none of the party cadre want to ally with the saffron party. BJP has no role in deciding the CM candidate of AIADMK. AIADMK cadre don’t want to ally with BJP and the party leadership should consider contesting alone,” ousted AIADMK leader KC Palaniswami said on Monday. 

Welcoming the comments of Munusamy targeting the BJP, Palaniswami said that there are a few Ministers who want to ally with the BJP to protect themselves against the cases registered by the central agencies, Palaniswami alleged. Only the party general council and executive council should decide about the alliance, he told reporters. “The BJP is trying to weaken AIADMK so that the 2021 Assembly polls can be a direct fight between actor Rajinikanth backed by BJP and the DMK alliance,” said political commentator R Mani. Responding to media queries that the alliance between the BJP and AIADMK is under severe strain, BJP state president L Murugan said that the alliance between the BJP and the AIADMK was cordial and there is no issue between the parties. Wait for few more days, these rumours and speculations will be answered, Murugan said triggering further speculation.