The BJP’s relations with the DMK still in a state of flux, the party is unable to make up its mind on contesting the Sattankulam Assembly seat in Tamil Nadu, due for a a by-election on February 26.Party president M. Venkaiah Naidu told a group of mediapersons at the party headquarters here today: ‘‘The state election committee has passed a resolution to contest the seat. We lost it by a narrow margin last time. Let us see. The central election committee would take a decision on the issue at the earliest. We have time till January 31, the deadline for filing nominations.’’If it were a stray Assembly constituency, the BJP, given its marginal presence in Tamil Nadu, would not have to strain itself to take a decision. However, the high command has to address the wider issue of its future ties with the NDA partner before fielding its candidate. DMK chief M. Karunanidhi has of late been cut up with the BJP for its flirtation with the rival AIADMK while the state unit has been critical of his anti-Hindutva statements. Making matters worse is the mutual antipathy of Karunanidhi and national BJP secretary L. Ganesan, who hails from TN.Given the unpredictability of AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, the BJP is keen on continuing its relationship with Karunanidhi. Naidu stressed: ‘‘The DMK is our ally. There is some problem at the state level. I hope, it would be resolved.’’ Regarding Karunanidhi’s demand for a debate on disinvestment, Naidu said: ‘‘I also want a debate on the interests of SCs and STs in the PSUs being put up for privatisation.’’Minister of State in PMO Vijay Goel called on Karunanidhi on Friday, indicating the concern of the PM over his growing alienation with the BJP. The AIADMK and the Congress have already announced that they would field their nominees. The BJP is incapable of putting up an impressive fight without the DMK, particularly when Jayalalithaa is sure to walk away with staunch Hindu votes.The DMK is apparently waiting for BJP to make the first move. The BJP has to either mollify Karunanidhi fast or prepare itself for an eventual parting of ways. Sattankulam would be an index of their future ties.
