Chandrababu Naidu's anti-Modi front swells as DMK's Stalin promises full support, though AP CM remains evasive on alliance 'face'

In a significant development, DMK chief MK Stalin on Friday evening assured his full support to Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, following a meeting the pair held at Stalin's residence in Chennai.

Stalin and Naidu addressed gathered mediapersons after their meeting, which also involved Kanimozhi, and answered questions, along similar lines to the interactions Naidu has earlier held alongside Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi, Sharad Pawar & Farooq Abdullah, and most recently, former PM HD Deve Gowda and Karnataka CM Kumaraswamy.

Federal powers of the state are already being eroded by the BJP, Stalin began, adding that he and his party were constantly resisting and lending their voice against the government.

"This government is influencing all the agencies, including I-T Department, CBI and others for their political benefits. Leaders from across the country should come together and oust BJP from power", Stalin said.

Towards this Stalin added, "I have promised my complete support to Mr Naidu. I have also agreed to participate in the regional leaders meet called by Mr Naidu."

Naidu spoke next, starting along familiar lines:

"Democracy is in danger. The Nation is in danger. We all have to work together against the BJP."

He raised economic issues this time, taking a cue from the demonetisation protest being held by the Congress over the last two days:

"All black money has become white money today. NPAs are increasing day by day. Farmers are in distress totally", Naidu said, glossing over the fact that he had very much been a part of the NDA until very recently.

He raised other leaders, saying, "Again I am going to meet Mamata also. I met Rahul Gandhi though we had differences. We all have to unite. All of us want to join to save the nation. We have good relations with the DMK and along with the Congress we will fight against the BJP". He added, "I had a very good relationship with former DMK chief Karunanidhi also and it will continue now."

When asked about who would be the face of the coalition he was attempting to bring together, Naidu said, "I am bringing everyone to a single platform. From there we will decide how to go further."

On being pursued, Naidu said, "I am not a face. I am only a facilitator. There are many strong leaders." He went on to name Mamata Banerjee, Rahul Gandhi and the main opposition party status of the Congress, himself, Stalin in Tamil Nadu, and Deve Gowda in Karnataka.

Specifically on Rahul Gandhi, Naidu said, "He is leading the Congress which is the main opposition party and it's an anchor party. They have a pan-India base."

He also spoke about the current AIADMK-led Tamil Nadu government, alleging that it is "remote-controlled from Delhi".