BJP says it may seek Rajinikanth's 'support,' again asserts it leads alliance in TN

  BJP on Wednesday said it may seek support of superstar Rajinikanth for 2021 assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, a day after star said he has abandoned his plan to make a political foray.

Asserting that its alliance with AIADMK was strong, BJP national general secretary C T Ravi, however, said NDA was led by his party and 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi' in state as well, apparently indicating that it was t steered by ruling party, senior partner.

In Tamil Nadu, AIADMK was largest partner in National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and naturally, Chief Minister will be from that party, Ravi, BJP's state incharge, told reporters here, answering a volley of questions on ties between two parties.

A formal decision would be made on Chief Ministerial candidate of NDA once Election Commission issues tification for assembly elections, expected in April- May, he said, adding strategy was part of ongoing exercise to strengn BJP in state.

AIADMK has already anunced incumbent K Palaniswami as its chief ministerial candidate in election.

Earlier, former Indian team leg spinner and cricket commentator, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan and several elected representatives at level of local bodies joined BJP.

On Rajinikanth's anuncement that he would t launch a political party, Ravi praised actor, saying he had always protected national and Tamil Nadu's interests. "He is a great leader."

Asked if his party would seek his support, he said, I hope, we will ask him.

To a similar question, Ravi said everyone kws, how close Modi Ji and Rajinikanth are.

AIADMK has also expressed view that Rajinikanth would support party-led alliance in view of his decision t to float his outfit.

Opposition parties have said Rajinikanth's decision t to join politics would hurt BJP, maintaining that it was hoping to join hands with him and become a force in state.

Rajinikanth, who earlier said he would launch his party next month, had on Tuesday anunced he would t foray into politics in view of his health status, having undergone a kidney transplant four years ago, and considering coronavirus pandemic situation.

actor's assertion that he would serve people in whatever possible ways -without entering electoral politics- has led to expectation among a section of BJP supporters that he may "lend his voice" favouring party, way he had supported DMK-led alliance in 1996.

His statement n that even "God cant save Tamil Nadu if AIADMK is voted back to power" became hugely famous in run up to polls which DMK went on to sweep.

BJP's Tamil Nadu unit chief L Murugan, who was also present at press meet, said party had t been 'officially' engd in any talk with expelled DMK leader M K Alagiri on him possibly joining national party.

Alagiri, son of late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, had days ago said that he would decide on his future course of action following consultations with his supporters on January 3.

"If he (Alagiri) joins, we will welcome him," Murugan said, adding all, including Arjunamurthy who quit BJP to join hands with Rajinikanth, were welcome to be a member of party. 

(IM CREDITS:PTI)