I have excellent relations with Jayalalithaa: Narendra Modi

Speculations are once again on that BJP might join hands with AIADMK after the election

BS Reporter Chennai
Last Updated : Apr 17 2014 | 12:46 AM IST
An alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the J Jayalalithaa-led All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) might still be possible after the elections. The indication came from none other than the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi himself.

During an interview to Asian News International on Wednesday, Modi said he shared excellent rapport with Jayalalithaa.

“We (BJP and AIADMK) might have different ideologies. But at a personal level, I have excellent relations with Jayalalithaaji. We haven’t made bitter statements against each other. I don’t believe there are any political untouchables,” Modi told the news agency.

Also Read

Notably, Modi’s comments come days after he and the Tamil Nadu chief minister attacked each other during their campaigns.

Modi had said: “The Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam and the AIADMK, when they are in power, spend most of their energy in destroying each other. They are not devoted to the people. They think people are in their pockets but they can’t take people for granted.”

Pulling up the BJP, Jayalalithaa had said: “If Tamil Nadu’s rights are to be secured in the Cauvery river water issue in the ensuing Parliamentary elections, people should not vote for the BJP or Congress. Tamil Nadu’s lifeline problem is the Cauvery river problem. Whether it is the Congress or the BJP-led Central government, as far as the Cauvery river water issue is concerned, both have the habit of betraying the interests of Tamil Nadu.”
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 17 2014 | 12:37 AM IST

Next Story