Tamil Nadu: OPS, Dhinakaran and Pattali Katchi in NDA

CHENNAI: In Tamil Nadu, the BJP is gearing up to face the Lok Sabha elections by including the O Panneerselvam faction of the AIADMK, TTV Dhinakaran's Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi and DMDK parties in the NDA alliance. This is after all efforts to mend its rift with ADMK failed.

OPS and Dhinakaran held discussions with the BJP leadership yesterday. PMK leaders held discussions before that. It is reported that although PMK Chairman S. Ramadoss wanted to join the Anna DMK alliance, he decided to remain in the NDA alliance at the insistence of his son Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss.

DMDK has not announced its position as no agreement was reached on the seats. There are reports that party president Premalatha held discussions with the Anna DMK leadership. A three-member central team led by Union Minister Kishan Reddy has arrived in Chennai to bring more parties to the NDA. Samathuva Makkal Munnetra Party leader and actor Sarath Kumar in NDA is also participating in the discussion in the role of mediator. The aim is to announce the extension of NDA when Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Chennai on the 15th.

The requirements are as follows

OPS: 20 seats to contest, Union Minister post if elected

PMK: Dharmapuri, all seats in Chennai region, Rajya Sabha seat

Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam: 10 seats to contest, Union Minister post

DMDK: Rajya Sabha seat is the main demand