AIADMK-BJP Alliance Seat Sharing Talks Accelerate Following Key Delhi Meeting
Seat sharing negotiations within the AIADMK-BJP front have gathered significant pace on Friday, following a crucial meeting between AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. This development marks a pivotal step forward as political parties gear up for the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.
EPS Confirms Smooth Progress and Upcoming Finalization
Speaking to reporters at the New Delhi airport while returning to Chennai after his meeting with Shah, EPS expressed optimism about the alliance's progress. He stated, "Everything will be finalised within four days. Unlike the DMK alliance, it will be done smoothly, with the aim of ensuring that all partners get winnable seats." This assertion underscores the AIADMK's commitment to a cohesive and strategic partnership aimed at electoral success.
EPS further revealed that BJP's Tamil Nadu in-charge, Piyush Goyal, is scheduled to visit the state within the next two days to seal the deal. Additionally, he announced that the AIADMK plans to release its poll manifesto within a week, highlighting the party's proactive approach to the election campaign.
Seat Allocation Details and Alliance Clarifications
While EPS chose not to disclose the specific number of seats the AIADMK will contest or the allocation for allies, he firmly ruled out any potential alliance with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In response to claims by TVK functionary Aadhav Arjuna that the party had been offered 90 seats and a 2.5-year chief ministership, EPS clarified, "AIADMK leads the alliance. No leader from our front has spoken to TVK, nor have they approached us." This statement aims to quell speculation and reinforce the AIADMK's leadership role within the coalition.
Defending his visit to Delhi, EPS explained that Shah was unable to travel to Tamil Nadu due to being "overloaded with election work" in other states. Hence, EPS took the initiative to meet Shah in the capital. The meeting, which took place on Thursday night, lasted for close to an hour and successfully ironed out differences over specific assembly seats, indicating productive discussions.
Other Leaders Engage in Parallel Talks
Even as EPS returned to Chennai, other key figures from the alliance, including AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran and PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss, headed to Delhi for their own meetings with Amit Shah. Dhinakaran downplayed the significance of these visits, noting that he had received an invitation from Shah four days prior. He reiterated that the AMMK remains part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP nationally and by "beloved elder brother" EPS in Tamil Nadu.
Dhinakaran maintained that his party would contest on the ‘Cooker' symbol and described Shah as a "key leader of the NDA." He also dismissed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's "Delhi vs Tamil Nadu" pitch, framing the electoral contest as one between the AIADMK-led NDA and the DMK alliance. Accusing the ruling party of being "worried" about the opposition's moves, Dhinakaran expressed confidence that the alliance would reflect the people's mood for change, signaling a united front against the incumbent government.
This flurry of political activity highlights the intensifying preparations as the AIADMK-BJP front works to solidify its strategy and present a formidable challenge in the upcoming elections, with all eyes on the final seat-sharing agreement expected within the next few days.
