Chennai: The DMK may have to brace for a repeat of 2006 and 2011 when it comes to alliances. If the existing political climate were to continue in 2016, the DMK will be compelled to make extreme compromises, much worse than the 63 seats it unwillingly gave to the Congress in 2011. All the potential allies on its radar are claiming their pound of flesh from the Dravidian major. After Tirumavalavan’s VCK, state Congress president EVKS Elangovan is the latest to set coalition terms as a pre-condition to an electoral pact.
“Our aim is to form a Congress government. If that is not possible, we will have an alliance with anyone who agrees on Kamaraj rule and share of power.” Asked if it would also include an alliance led by DMK and comprising Left parties, as was the case in UPA-I led by Manmohan Singh, an usually reticent Elangovan first said — “Let us see what happens then.” He then conceded in saying, “Communists are hundred per cent secular. They should come forward (to uphold secularism).”
Barely a week ago, DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin made a statement publicly expressing his willingness to “work with” Congress. Even before the buzz created by the statements died down, Stalin, Tiruma and Elangovan on Sunday shared the dais at the birthday function of Bishop Ezra Sargunam, the priest known for close association with the DMK first family. The priest has been rumoured to have brokered alliance talks for the DMK, especially with Vijayakanth’s DMDK ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.
The newfound bonhomie between the erstwhile allies has already created murmurs in Anna Arivalayam corridors. DMK insiders, who are aware that they would need more (parties) to get towards the magical figure of 117 in 2016 polls, believe that secularism might be the trump card that will help them unite the Opposition against their arch rival AIADMK.
“Though BJP and AIADMK leaders take an occasional pot shot at each other once in a while, there is a strong likelihood of them coming together next year. When that happens or even looks like happening, there will be a union of secular forces led by us,” said a DMK senior. However, the DMK might have to offer more than just secularism to sew a grand alliance.
