After all those speculations, it is confirmed that the BJP is in talks with the AIADMK for a pre-poll alliance ahead of the 2019 elections. Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal came to Chennai on Thursday night and met senior AIADMK leaders. Accompanied by BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan and state party president Tamilisai Soundararajan, he met AIADMK Electricity Minister Thangamani and Municipal and Rural Administration Minister SP Velumani.
Speaking to reporters at the airport on Wednesday evening, Goyal said, “I am sure we will work together to serve the people of Tamil Nadu. All possibilities are under consideration and discussion. At the right time we will give the good news and confirmation. You will come to know the reality and very soon you will hear from us.”
Reports suggest that backroom negotiations began days ago, with the BJP conveying that it would prefer to contest in 10 seats but the AIADMK has clearly stated that they will part with only six seats, reported The Hindu.
The alliance talks reportedly went on for over three hours at the minister’s residence.
“Alliance talks have begun. We are happy. This is just the beginning, but the talks were satisfactory. It will continue further,” Pon Radhakrishnan told reporters at the airport.
BJP President Amit Shah, while addressing the public at Erode on Wednesday morning, said the BJP will forge a “strong alliance” in Tamil Nadu.
Earlier, in January, Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai had told that the AIADMK would not allow the BJP to “piggyback” on its shoulders.“What sin has the AIADMK committed to carry the BJP on its shoulders? There is no scope for the BJP to establish itself in the state,” he had said.
(With inputs from The Hindu)
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