Title: ADMK-BJP Alliance Breaks Down Due to Factional Clashes and Seat Distribution Issues
Date: [Insert Date]
In a surprising turn of events, the political landscape of Tamil Nadu has witnessed the dissolution of the alliance between the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (ADMK) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Sources indicate that a clash between Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai and the ADMK leadership, coupled with seat distribution disagreements, were the primary factors behind this unexpected breakup.
The ADMK recently announced its decision to withdraw from the alliance after enduring harsh criticism from Tamil Nadu BJP leader Annamalai, who specifically targeted the party and its leaders. However, it is worth noting that no allegations were made against the BJP’s national leadership or its members.
The breakdown of the alliance can also be attributed to the BJP’s initiative to secure more seats than the issues related to Annamalai. Reliable sources within the BJP have revealed that in September, ADMK General Secretary Palaniswami met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi. Prior to this meeting, Tamil Nadu Governor Ravi had provided certain statistics and information regarding the ADMK-BJP alliance.
According to official figures released by the Central Intelligence Agency, during the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP-led coalition won two constituencies in Tamil Nadu, while the ADMK alliance triumphed in 37 seats. The DMK alliance failed to secure any seats during this period.
During the tenure of the late Jayalalitha, ADMK joined forces with the BJP for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, leading to the alliance winning only one constituency. However, the situation became precarious due to simultaneous by-elections for 22 assembly constituencies, which were closely tied to the Lok Sabha elections. Maintaining political control hinged on significant success.
Inevitably, the Palaniswami-led ADMK shifted its focus towards the assembly by-elections, neglecting the Lok Sabha polls. While ADMK managed to secure nine assembly constituencies and retain power, they only won one Lok Sabha seat, leaving their allies empty-handed.
Estrangement between the parties escalated when Palaniswami rejected the BJP’s demand for inclusion in the 2021 assembly elections. The ADMK leader appeared more inclined towards a prospective alliance with Congress rather than BJP, prioritizing his own political aspirations. Sources suggest that an alliance with Palaniswami at the helm would have minimal chances of victory, prompting the BJP to take a hardline stance.
As a response to the failed negotiations, BJP leader Amit Shah proposed that the BJP be given 25 seats in the ensuing Lok Sabha elections, which would subsequently be distributed among the allied parties. Dinakaran Panneerselvam, a prominent political figure, was also offered inclusion in the alliance. However, Palaniswami’s faction rejected this proposal, acting as the final catalyst for the alliance’s dissolution.
The ADMK-BJP alliance breakup marks a significant turning point in Tamil Nadu’s political narrative. As the parties now embark on separate paths, only time will tell how this development shapes the impending state assembly elections and the leadership aspirations of its key players.
– Our Correspondent –