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The Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), led by former Congress leader and Union Minister G K Vasan, has formally announced its decision to go with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for the Lok Sabha elections.
Monday’s announcement is first such development in Tamil Nadu’s NDA unit, especially since the AIADMK, a key ally, exited the alliance last September. Another partner, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) led by Anbumani Ramadoss, is likely to join the AIADMK’s alliance.
Vasan’s decision did not come as a surprise as the Rajya Sabha MP has been associated with the NDA for many years.
In the weeks leading up to the announcement, Vasan engaged in discussions with AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, aiming to explore the possibilities of bringing back AIADMK into the NDA fold. Palaniswami reportedly declined the invitation, which was extended on behalf of the BJP’s national leadership.
Vasan, son of late Congress veteran G K Moopanar, has navigated the complexities of state politics with an eye toward national relevance. His decision to reaffirm the TMC(M)’s alliance with the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, and his nomination to the Rajya Sabha under the NDA banner had already signalled his direction.
BJP sources said the TMC(M) may receive one or two seats in the NDA alliance and they would likely contest under the BJP symbol. The BJP’s state leadership, represented by K Annamalai, welcomed the TMC(M) into the fold.
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