• Source:JND

Tamil Nadu Elections: With just a few weeks remaining in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, a third alliance has been announced, likely to trouble the opposition alliance between the AIADMK and the BJP. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) faction led by S Ramadoss and VK Sasikala's All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AIPTMMK) on Friday announced their decision to contest the polls in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry together. While the chances of the alliance's victory are thin, both parties can affect the election results in several seats.

In a joint statement, they said that the alliance will remove the "symbols of betrayal", possibly hinting at the top brass of AIADMK, and will focus on the welfare of the people. "The alliance will function with the objective of removing the symbols of betrayal in Tamil Nadu and of advancing the welfare of the people, as well as strengthening the self-respect and autonomy of Tamil Nadu," they said in the statement.

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How Relevant Is The Alliance? 

While addressing the reporters, Sasikala said, "We have formed a new alliance. Our candidates will achieve a massive victory in the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Assembly elections". "Our alliance is a victorious one. It will achieve a grand victory. Our alliance will contest in all 234 constituencies. Parties that firmly stand by our ideology may join us," Ramadoss said.

While the alliance is likely to contest all the 234 constituencies, it will focus on 100 seats, reported the Indian Express, citing sources familiar with the issue. While Ramadoss is set to contest 40 seats in the northern region, Sasikala's party is expected to field 60 candidates in the delta and southern region of the poll-bound state.

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AIADMK In Trouble? 

Both Sasikala and Ramadoss are heavyweights and have a significant hold on the voters of the OBC community. While Sasikala has openly accused AIADMK's chief Edappadi K Palaniswami of hijacking former Chief Minister Jayalalitha's legacy, Ramadoss is also a known critic of the top brass of the major opposition party.


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