Congress, DMK forms alliance in Tamil Nadu

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday formally announced that the party will fight the Assembly polls in an alliance with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).

"It was a courtesy call. We have decided to fight the elections together. We will have an alliance. Karunanidhi ji is an esteemed leader. Our goal is to put in place a government led by the DMK," Azad told media here.

"I am more than sure that we will form a government under the leadership of DMK Party. DMK, Congress and other allies will be a very formidable combination to defeat other political parties," he added.

Azad further stated that DMK leadership will identify other potential allies and initiate talks.

On seat sharing, he said further talks would take place with the DMK.

Welcoming the alliance, DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin said "Congress has promised full cooperation. Karunanidhi has already given an invite to DMDK. We are hopeful of a positive response."

Earlier, Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Farooq Abdullah, who met M. Karunanidhi, downplayed reports that he had come on behalf of the Congress to form an alliance in the poll-bound state and said that the final decision in this regard rests in the hands of the DMK chief.

Replying to a poser on whether he had come on behalf of the Congress to urge him and form an alliance in the poll-bound state, the National Conference leader said that it was for Karunanidhi to decide.

"That will be his decision. I cannot say anything as I don't belong to the Congress. I am sure he would do very well in the coming elections. I wish him the best of luck," he added.