Ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the ruling BJP at the Centre received a boost on Wednesday from two regional heavyweights. From southern India, AIADMK members joined the BJP, while the RLD from northern India expressed interest in joining the NDA after leaving the Opposition bloc INDIA. A group of 15 former AIADMK MLAs and one former MP joined the saffron party on Wednesday. The induction ceremony for these leaders took place in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Ministers Rajeev Chandrasekhar and L Murugan, as well as State BJP president K Annamalai.
Chandrasekhar remarked that the large-scale joining reflects Modi’s popularity in a State like Tamil Nadu, where the BJP has traditionally not been a significant force.
Welcoming them, Annamalai said they bring a wealth of experience to the BJP and aim to bolster Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership as he prepares for a third consecutive term in power.
“Some of them have been involved in politics for the past 50 years; some were present at the inception of political parties in Tamil Nadu. Today, they have all come to the headquarters in New Delhi to join the BJP and seek the blessings of party president JP Nadda. This is the first time in Tamil Nadu that 16 people have joined the party simultaneously. Two former MLAs had already joined the party during the ‘En Mann En Makkal’ yatra,” Annamalai added.
“Tamil Nadu is trending towards the BJP,” asserted the young leader, whose firm stance on his party’s ideological position in the Dravidian State and sharp criticism of the established parties have earned him both admirers and detractors.
The former AIADMK MLAs who joined the BJP are K Vadivel (Karur), Challenger Duraisamy (Coimbatore), PS Kandhasamy (Aravakurichi), MV Rathinam (Pollachi), R Chinnasamy (Singanallur), VR Jayaraman (Theni), SM Vasan (Vedasanthur), PS Arul (Bhuvanagiri), R Rajendran (Kaatumannarkoil), Selvi Murugesan (Kangeyam), and A Rokini (Kolathur).
Additionally, three-time MLA and former AIADMK minister Gomathi Srinivasan also joined the BJP.
Furthermore, as the Lok Sabha elections approach, the Opposition alliance faces the possibility of another setback, with speculation abound that Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) chief Chaudhary Jayant Chaudhry may defect and join the NDA.
As the speculation gains traction, SP national president Akhilesh Yadav rebuffed such claims, asserting that the RLD remains part of the INDIA bloc. He said, “Jayant Chaudhry is a seasoned politician who will align with those who support farmers,” and he accused the BJP of spreading rumours.
However, sources indicate that a tentative agreement has been reached on three parliamentary seats between the RLD and BJP, adding a new layer of complexity to the political landscape.
Reportedly, the RLD had initially sought the Kairana, Amroha, Baghpat, Mathura, and Muzaffarnagar seats from the BJP. Among these, the BJP appears willing to offer the Kairana, Amroha, and Baghpat seats, while discussions persist regarding Mathura and Muzaffarnagar.
Additionally, sources indicate that the RLD requested a ministerial post within the NDA alliance.
Electoral calculations suggest that the BJP is eager to court the RLD for constituencies with a significant Muslim voter base in western Uttar Pradesh. Consequently, they have offered three seats.
Sources suggest that the alliance between the RLD and SP soured over disagreements regarding seat allocations, with the SP insisting that its candidates should contest on the RLD’s symbol.
“SP’s insistence on candidates in Kairana, Muzaffarnagar, and Bijnor running under the RLD symbol complicates matters,” said a senior RLD leader.
On its part, the RLD initially agreed to SP’s suggestions for the Kairana and Bijnor seats but encountered obstacles regarding Muzaffarnagar and Hathras.
While purported discussions with the BJP remain unconfirmed, speculation and calculations dominate the political arena. Adding to the intrigue, RLD MLAs were abruptly summoned to Delhi, hinting at potential alliance discussions. However, amid uncertainties, a message from Delhi urged patience, suggesting that the RLD leadership awaits input from its MLAs before determining the next course of action.
Beyond seat allocations, broader discussions include demands for Bharat Ratna recognition for former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh and aspirations for a stake in the state government, reflecting the multifaceted negotiations underway.
Notably, RLD president Jayant Singh’s conspicuous silence on social media, notably after Republic Day, coupled with the postponement of scheduled events, contributes to the climate of uncertainty.
However, RLD State president Ramashish Rai dismissed any notion of the RLD joining the NDA, affirming the party’s allegiance to the INDIA alliance.
