South Focus: PMK Joins BJP-led NDA Alliance in Tamil Nadu, BJP Eyes Northern Region Transition

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 in Tamil Nu:  In a strategic shift, BJP has sealed a seat-sharing alliance with PMK which is set to benefit saffron party's prospect in Tamil Nu, especially in norrn region as PMK holds considerable influence, particularly among Vanniyar caste.

  PMK Party on Tuesday officially joined BJP-led NDA alliance, marking a significant political development in Tamil Nu. alliance was solidified with signing ceremony attended by BJP state President Annamalai and PMK founder and President Anbumani Ramoss. Under this alliance, PMK will contest 10 seats in Tamil Nu as part of NDA coalition, although final number of seats and specific candidates are yet to be determined. With PMK's support, BJP hopes to strengn its position in state, particularly against backdrop of its former alliance partner AIMK.

decision to form this alliance comes after PMK's historical oscillation between alliances with DMK and AIMK. Notably, PMK h previously aligned with NDA in 2014 but later opted to contest independently in 2016, resulting in significant losses. In 2019, PMK allied with AIMK but has now shifted back to NDA fold after a dece.

Anbumani Ramoss, speaking to Republic Media on behalf of PMK, emphasized that decision to join NDA was result of extensive deliberation and discussions. “Initially, re were talks with AIMK, where PMK was offered eight seats and or incentives, but ultimately, PMK chose to align with BJP due to its miration for party's commitment to Sourn states' development, particularly evident in Prime Minister Modi's frequent visits to Tamil Nu,” he said

alliance signals a strategic realignment in Tamil Nu's political landscape, with PMK's significant vote share expected to bolster BJP's electoral prospects in state. Despite this shift, Ramoss clarified that re are no hard feelings towards AIMK, with whom PMK h cordial relations in past.

alliance also indicates a broer political realignment with inclusion of expelled AIMK leers, O. Panneerselvam and TTV Dhinakaran, furr consolidating NDA's position in state.

Overall, PMK-BJP alliance underscores evolving dynamics of Tamil Nu politics, setting stage for a closely contested electoral battle in upcoming elections.