Are Alliance Talks Underway? DMDK Denies NDA Speculation
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Chennai, Jan 22 (NationPress) In a firm rebuttal to rumors suggesting that the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) is preparing to align with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), party General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant stated on Thursday that no discussions regarding an alliance have occurred to date, nor has any NDA official reached out to the party.
During a press briefing at the DMDK headquarters in Koyambedu, she clarified that neither Union Minister Piyush Goyal nor any other NDA representatives had made any contact with her or the party, whether directly or via phone.
She dismissed media narratives implying the contrary, asserting that there has been no communication regarding a potential alliance. “I have addressed this numerous times. It seems journalists are more focused on our alliance than our actual party members,” she commented.
“We haven’t received any calls or messages from the NDA. No one has approached us,” she confirmed.
Premalatha also aimed to quell rumors linking the DMDK to ongoing discussions with the AIADMK or the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). “At this moment, there have been no talks with either the AIADMK or the BJP,” she stated, adding that any decision regarding an alliance would only come after comprehensive discussions with district secretaries and would be officially announced by the party.
Interestingly, while she discounted alliance rumors, Premalatha commended the ruling DMK government for its response to recent public safety incidents.
She praised the Tamil Nadu Police and the state government for their prompt action in apprehending suspects involved in the murder of an LIC manager during a fire sabotage incident in Madurai.
She also expressed sorrow over fatalities resulting from a helium gas cylinder explosion during a festival in Kallakurichi, welcoming the government's decision to provide compensation to the victims' families.
Regarding Piyush Goyal's visit to Chennai, Premalatha stated she was unaware of its purpose. “He hasn’t communicated with me. I only learned through media reports that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Chennai on the 23rd,” she noted.
Premalatha concluded by announcing that the DMDK would launch a statewide campaign from January 24 to February 2, indicating that any alliance decisions, if they arise, would follow internal discussions post-campaign.