Chennai, Mar 19 (Representative) Ending days of suspense, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) finallyannounced that it would ally with the BJP-led NDA and face the April 19 Lok Sabha pollsin Tamil Nadu. Though the PMK has been talks with the major Opposition AIADMK, it has finally decidedto ally with the BJP and Party President and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss willbe sharing dais with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Salem later on Tuesday, where thepact will be concreticised. The decision to ally with the BJP was taken jointly by PMK Founder Dr.S.Ramadoss andDr Anbumani, who is also the former Union Minister, at a meeting of the party’s high-levelCommittee held last night.Before the Salem meeting, the BJP leaders comprising Party State Unit Chief K.Annamalaiand Senior leaders are expected to sign the seat sharing pact at the Thailapuram residenceof Dr Ramadoss after which the allocation of seats to PMK will be known.
The alliance with BJP was confirmed by PMK General Secretary Vadivel Ravanan to reporterswho said the decision to go with the BJP was ‘unanimous”, though the AIADMK has been keen to have the Vanniyar outfit in its fold for the polls. He also said Dr Anbumani will be sharing dais with Mr Modi at a BJP election meeting in Salemtoday, giving a major boost for the Saffron outfit ahead of the polls. “PMK Founder Dr Ayya (as Dr Ramadoss was affectionately called) announced at thehigh-level committee meeting that the party will face the Lok Sabha polls in alliance withthe BJP”, Vaidevel Ravanan said. The decision was taken in concurrence with Dr Anbumani, he said. The highly influential Vanniyar outfit, the PMK wields considerable influence in the NorthernTamil Nadu and commands a committed vote back of above six per cent, which is expectedto enhance the BJP’s vote share in this polls. Mr. Ravanan said the party exuded confidence and strongly believe that the alliance with theBJP would be beneficial to it and would secure the future of the party. “The PMK’s sudden turn comes in the backdrop of reports that it will be inking the seat sharingpact with the AIADMK tomorrow, thereby causing a set back for the Dravidian major in the State.