After Rahul’s elevation, Congress to push for alliance with DMDK?
By Sruthisagar Yamunan - CHENNAI
22nd January 2013 07:36 AM
-
DMDK chief Vijayakant and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi. (File photos)
With Rahul Gandhi at the helm of affairs in the Congress as its vice president, there is a likelihood of the party going in for an alliance with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
Rahul had evinced keen interest in such an alliance when a Youth Congress (YC) delegation from Tamil Nadu met him in New Delhi a few months back. According to a member of the delegation, Rahul enquired about actor Vijayakant, his party and the possibility of an alliance with the party during the short discussion. “He asked pointed questions about the growth of the DMDK and the personality of its leader Vijayakant and we told him that it is the best option for the Congress,” the YC functionary told Express.
That the Congress high command had already sounded out a possible tie-up with the DMDK was confirmed by some senior Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) leaders, who also feel that they would be able to present a new-look Congress-led coalition to the voters if that happened.
Since Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has made it clear that the AIADMK would go it alone, even the DMDK could be looking for an electoral partner when the elections come.
Pointing out that Vijayakant too had been mild in his criticism of the UPA government while going hammer and tongs against the other parties in the state, a TNCC leader said: “We also need to prepare a situation in which the DMK too could decide to face the hustings with or without us.”
So, whether the DMK remains with the Congress or not, there is a distinct possibility of the Congress roping in the DMDK. For, as a TNCC leader said: “Strengthening the party in Tamil Nadu has always been a top priority for Rahul Gandhi.”
Post a Comment
Recent Activity
- The Woolwich 'beheading' is straight out of al-Qaeda's terror manual
- Not a drop of Cauvery for people on its banks
- Dalit discrimination 'forms' in colleges
- Marine turtles giving Kerala a miss
- New mango named Nirbhaya after gang-rape victim
- Shortage of essential TB drug heightens risk to patients, others
- Four years of UPA-II
- Nine years as PM: What will be Manmohan Singh's legacy?
- There is betting link even in Sree's company
- Sahara Group accuses the BCCI of Betrayal
- Police summon CSK boss on spot-fixing
- IPL ban, takeover of BCCI sought
- Bride-to-be found with head smashed
- Names of UPA ministers will surface in IPL spot-fixing: Swamy
- Top LeT militant killed in encounter
- CBSE kids in fix as colleges begin enrolling
Comments(8)
This is good news in a way. Congress with DMDK will loose their Deposits just like what happened in UP, Bihar and Gujarat. This is the reality: any party in TN that aligns with Congress for next 20 years is doomed. Tamil people will never forget and forgive the Congress for their Treachery in what happened in Mulliya-Vaaykal in May 2009. So let it be known.
Posted by Randor Guy at 01/22/2013 08:02 Reply to this Report abuse
The present sonia congress , a far cry from Kamraj whose legacy was betrayed by present set up must be thrown to the dust bin. DMK like AIADMK show valour and guts to face the electorate alone on its merits and policies. and not hide behind the palloo of sonia.Raghul repulsion to karuna is well known and never bother to see him
Posted by needhidevan at 01/25/2013 08:03 Reply to this Report abuse
""....And all the kings horses and all the kings men, could not get Humpty Dumpty back together again!."
Posted by KANNAN at 01/22/2013 08:32 Reply to this Report abuse
Certainly a good augury for TN politics. With the DMK almost rendered irrelevant, Congress is obviously looking for fresh horse. That they wish to choose DMDK sounds 'double tragedy'. DMDK is another family driven party. Their early days vote share of about 10% has suffered serious erosion and Vijayakanth still nurses the euphoria. But, the party already is fragmented, with at least 5 legislators distancing themselves from the leadership and leaning towards AIADMK.
Posted by V R Krishnan at 01/22/2013 10:18 Reply to this Report abuse
Congress is about to commit a folly in joining hands with DMDK. This party is not such an important party in Tamil Nadu. It is yet to prove its strength especially Parlimentary elections. Let Congress join with this party and help AIADMK win all 40 seats And Rahulji you can never strengthen Congress in Tamil Nadu. Your party can never win a single seat independantly.
Posted by Sukumar Talpady Mangalore at 01/22/2013 10:38 Reply to this Report abuse
The former PM of congress thundered that there are two "islands of indiscipline" in this country - one Gujarat and the other Tamilnadu. openly blaming the voters for kicking out the congress then. The trend continues even now under different leaderships.Other states should also follow this .Can Tamilnadu people forget the violence heaped on people after Rajiv killing, especially targetting DMK men and their properties holding Tamilnadu to ransom for three days with transport facilities fully affected.
Posted by subramanian at 01/22/2013 13:07 Reply to this Report abuse