AIADMK-CPI alliance brightens prospect of third front

Prakash Karat says alliance would ensure success in TN and contribute to govt formation at Centre

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The prospect for a third alliance at the Centre looks imminent with J Jayalalithaa-led All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) forming an alliance with Communist Parties.

Taking the initiative a step ahead, on Monday AIADMK announced its alliance with CPI(M). The announcement came after the 'aspiring' Prime Minister Candidate, Jayalalithaa met CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat at her Poes Garden residence at Chennai today.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting with Karat, Jayalalithaa said the alliance would be successful, while stating that it is not the time to discuss who the next Prime Minister would be as that would arise only after the election results.

Karat said this alliance would ensure success in Tamil Nadu and contribute to government formation at the centre. He noted, both the left parties had fought the last assembly polls with the AIADMK, which also helped the left candidates to be elected to the Rajya Sabha last year and this year.

With this two left parties have forged an alliance with AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

“We will speak to parties which are not ready to join hands with Congress and BJP to be part of the alliance,” said Karat.

On Sunday evening, senior leaders from CPI including A B Bardhan, general secretary of the CPI met Jayalalithaa at her residence and jointly announced the Alliance. While the Communist party leaders have hinted that Jayalalithaa could be a Prime Ministerial candidate, Jayalalithaa said the focus would be winning the 40 seats, 39 in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry.

"AIADMK and CPI have decided to enter into an alliance for Lok Sabha polls. Our aim is to work together. Peace, prosperity and progress will be the slogan for AIADMK for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election” said Jayalaithaa.

Bardhan said, "the alliance would lead to victory" and to a question on whether the Alliance would project Jayalalithaa as their Prime Ministerial candidate, he said, "if the alliance succeeds, prospects are open to her".

Jayalaithaa replied saying, the issue (PM Candidate) will come up later. Our aim is to work together."