Chennai: Monday saw three important political happenings in Tamilnadu. With counting of votes polled in Lok Sabha elections and in by-polls to 22 Assembly constituencies in the State around the corner (23 May), these quick unfolding of events left many raise their eye-brows in surprise.
Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekara Rao yesterday called on DMK president M K Stalin at the latter’s residence in the city. His visit was seen as an effort to stitch together an alliance at the national-level to form a non-Congress and non-BJP front and seek DMK’s support.
Many in the Congress say that Stalin was the first to project Congress president Rahul Gandhi as the next Prime Minister and their bonding is strong. But a section are miffed at DMK leaders accepting to meet KCR knowing well his agenda. And they also want DMK to tell in open what was discussed at the meeting.
Meanwhile, there was little confusion in AIADMK-BJP camp too. State Minister D Jayakumar had remarked that Stalin had met KCR to strike a deal with BJP to get Ministerial berths at the Centre.
Reacting to his allegations, a BJP office-bearer, said, “Such comments are needless and uncalled for. We are in an alliance with AIADMK. Such remarks by Jayakumar would put us in trouble among the eyes of public.”
Interestingly, TNCC chief KS Alagiri extending support to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan has surprised DMK men. Apparently referring to Godse, Kamal, while addressing a campaign event, said that India’s first terrorist was a Hindu.
Alagiri said, “I support and agree Kamal Haasan’s statement, not only 100 per cent but 1,000 per cent.” DMK which considers Kamal as someone who would play spoilsport on its share at the ballot, is miffed at Congress support to MNM chief.
Political observers say it is just the beginning of many things to come as just nine days are away for counting of votes. “Nothing is permanent in politics – even friends and enemies,” they add.