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  India   BJP steps up efforts for a pact with Jayalaithaa

BJP steps up efforts for a pact with Jayalaithaa

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : Feb 15, 2016, 1:57 am IST
Updated : Feb 15, 2016, 1:57 am IST

With the M.

With the M. Karunanidhi-led DMK and Congress forging an alliance ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, the BJP has intensified efforts for either an alliance or a tacit understanding with the AIADMK led by J. Jayalaithaa.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is learnt to be taking a keen interest in a possible alliance with the AIADMK, a former BJP ally. For the BJP, which doesn’t have a strong organisation in the state, the electoral battle will be tough.

Regional satraps hold sway in the state, where the BJP has just one MP in the Lok Sabha.

Sources said the talks between the AIADMK and BJP failed as the latter wanted to fight 100 out of 234 seats, which the ruling party refused.

Now the BJP is learnt to have agreed to contest just 60 seats in the state, where it claims to have a significant presence in five-six districts.

Adding to the BJP’s worries, two former allies MDMK and PMK are being aggressively wooed by the AIADMK.

The DMK is also in touch with the DMDK, led by actor-politician Vijaykanth, which is now part of NDA but is said to be miffed with the BJP. In 2014, the BJP’s vote share was nearly six per cent, putting it in third position.

Sources said the BJP is also wooing Thevars and Nadars in the state and is in touch with other small outfits.

Sources said senior BJP leaders, both from the state and central teams, are involved in holding talks with both the DMDK and the MDMK.

Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi