Tamil Nadu politics took a curious turn on Thursday with Vijayakanth, founder of the DMDK, declaring that his party would not have alliance with any political parties in the State and contest the upcoming Assembly election alone.
“My party cadre want me to the King and not the kingmaker. So I am choosing an independent path and contesting the election without any alliance partners,” Vijayakanth declared while addressing the DMDK’s women’s wing leaders at Chennai on Thursday.
Vijayakanth, who commands 10 per cent of the popular votes, was the most sought after partner by all fronts except the AIADMK. There were reports that the DMDK had clinched a deal with the DMK and the announcement about the DMK-DMDK alliance would come anytime after the Sivarathri festival. M Karunanidhi, the DMK chief sounded confident on Tuesday when he said he was optimistic that Vijayakanth would cast his lot with the DMK.
The BJP too was in discussions with the DMDK chief. Prakash Javadekar, the Union Environment Minister and BJP’s election in-charge for Tamil Nadu had visited Chennai to firm up a deal with Vijayakanth. Javadekar had to return empty handed to New Delhi when he came to Chennai last Thursday to meet the Captain, as Vijayakanth is addressed by his cadres.
“It seems Jayalalithaa has won the day,” said a veteran political observer in Chennai. “With Vijayakanth deciding to go it alone, the anti-Jayalalithaa votes would get divided and chances are that the AIADMK would romp home comfortably,” said the a keen observer. He also said one has to wait till the elections before reaching any conclusion about the formations. “Vijayakanth is known for changing his stance frequently based on his moods,” he said.
With Vijayakanth’s decision to go it alone, Tamil Nadu will see a five cornered contest in the May 16 assembly election. The AIADMK led by Jayalalithaa, the DMK led by Karunanidhi, which has the Indian National Congress as an ally, the Peoples Welfare Front consisting of the Communists, the VCK and the MDMK of Vaiko, the PMK led by Anbumani Ramadoss and the BJP are the main contestants in this election. The Tamil Manila Congress led by GK Vasan, a beak-away faction of the INC is yet to announce its stance.