The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu received a significant boost on Monday as the Paatali Makkal Katchi (PMK), a potent political force in northern Tamil Nadu, decided to join the BJP-led alliance. The move is a setback for the AIADMK, the principal opposition party, which was anticipating an alliance with the PMK.
PMK's decision and alliance talks
PMK founder S Ramadoss had initiated discussions with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami to explore a potential alliance. However, PMK's high-level committee, convened at Thailapuram, 120 km from Chennai, opted to ally with the BJP. PMK President Anbumani Ramadoss spearheaded the decision, emphasizing that the party should contest the Lok Sabha polls exclusively in alliance with the BJP.
Formalising the alliance
PMK general secretary Vadivel Ravanan confirmed that the decision to join the BJP-led alliance was unanimous within the party. State BJP chief K Annamalai is set to travel to Thailapuram on Tuesday to finalise the alliance agreement. Following the alliance formation, Anbumani is expected to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Salem later on Tuesday.
Impact and background
PMK's decision to join the BJP alliance is a significant boost to Annamalai's efforts in building a strong coalition against the ruling DMK and AIADMK. The BJP had formed a Third Front under its leadership after the AIADMK severed ties with it in September 2023. PMK, known for its fluctuating alliances, had partnered with the BJP in the 2014 elections and contested independently in 2016.
PMK's influence and BJP's strategy
PMK holds considerable influence among the Vanniyar community, constituting a committed vote bank of approximately 6 per cent. The alliance with PMK is expected to bolster the BJP's prospects in northern Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the BJP has garnered support from expelled AIADMK leaders O Panneerselvam and T T V Dhinakaran to appeal to the Mukulathor community in Central and Southern Tamil Nadu. The BJP has invested heavily in Tamil Nadu, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi making multiple visits and the party conducting a comprehensive yatra covering all 234 assembly constituencies in the state.
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