AIADMK rumored to join BJP-led NDA in August first week
After a dramatic episode of JD (U) returning to the NDA fold, there are strong rumors that Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK would soon join the BJP-led coalition. Also, there is a possible Union Cabinet reshuffle on the cards, the timing of which could be linked to AIADMK rejoining NDA. AIADMK seniors would reportedly hold a meeting on 4 August to make a decision.
After Bihar, Tamil Nadu next on BJP's list
As part of its 'Mission 2019', BJP is looking to rope in Tamil Nadu's ruling party in order to make NDA stronger by the time of the next Lok Sabha elections in 2019. Sources say that PM Narendra Modi and BJP National President Amit Shah have entrusted the "job of wooing" AIADMK to a senior party functionary, who currently "holds a constitutional post".
Nothing is confirmed: Tamil Nadu Minister
A senior Minister in Tamil Nadu's Palaniswami-led government stated: "Nothing is as such confirmed. We will discuss on Friday and decide. The proposal has been made (to us) but finally, it is the party's call." AIADMK was part of NDA during 1998-99 and 2004-06.
Modi-Shah view: Unfair to leave largest state in south unrepresented
PM Modi and Amit Shah are reportedly keen on the NDA-AIADMK tie-up. The duo is of the view that the largest southern state and AIADMK (with 50 MPs in both the Parliament Houses) should be represented in the Union Cabinet. AIADMK, which is currently Lok Sabha's third-largest party, joined PM Vajpayee-led Cabinet in 1998, before exiting the coalition in 1999.
Poor representation of Tamil Nadu at Centre
Earlier, TN political parties had a decent representation, whether with NDA or UPA, in the Union Cabinet. The state once even had ten ministers appointed to the Cabinet. However, Kanyakumari MP Pon Radhakrishnan is the only Cabinet Minister from the state now.
PM Modi has to accommodate JD(U) MPs in Cabinet
As Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal (United) joined hands with NDA again, a few of its MPs would be inducted into the Modi Cabinet. However, reshuffling the Cabinet before deciding on the AIADMK tie-up, wouldn't serve any purpose. According to sources, BJP seniors said three key issues, including the Cabinet rejig, the appointment of Governors, and reconstitution of BJP functionaries, are interlinked.
AIADMK fissures delaying the merger: A TN BJP leader
The tie-up, crucial for BJP's Tamil Nadu plan and AIADMK's future, is reportedly Venkaiah Naidu's parting gift to the party. BJP is "urging" the three AIADMK (Amma, Puratchi Thalaivi Amma, and Sasikala) factions to hasten the decision on the tie-up. The move is also aimed at neutralizing the Sasikala family's influence, especially that of Deputy General Secretary Dhinakaran, on the party.
