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‘Talks are on’: O Panneerselvam confirms amidst speculation of poll tie-up with BJP

AIADMK Coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam has confirmed ‘secret’ alliance talks between the ruling party in the state and other parties, including national parties. Speaking to reporters at a samapandhi feast in Chennai, he said, “Like-minded alliance parties, political parties, state and national parties have expressed desire to join with the AIADMK and form an alliance. Talks are on. It is a mega secret. Once that secret is revealed, you will be informed first.”

Responding to dissent within the AIADMK, the Deputy Chief Minister said that each individual in the party has the right to state their own views. “Despite that, the party high command will get together and make a decision. Everyone will agree to that. That’s how it has been in the AIADMK from 1970 to today. Our alliance will come together with a single-mindedness.”

In recent weeks, senior AIADMK leader and Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai has been critical of an alliance with the BJP. He had dubbed the Union Budget an election manifesto of the BJP while other AIADMK leaders had largely welcomed it.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK on Monday started distribution of applications to members aspiring to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

There are 39 Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry.

The distribution of application forms, each priced at Rs 25,000, started at the party headquarters in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam and Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami.

The AIADMK is also keen to rope in the DMDK and PMK as its electoral allies.

The DMK has tied up with the Congress. The Communist parties are also expected to align with the DMK.

(With IANS inputs)

Source: The News Minute