BJP may claim we are part of NDA: DMDK snubs saffron party

In a blow to BJP's constant assertion that the DMDK led by actor-turned politician Vijaykanth was a part of NDA front, the DMDK chief today said those who claimed that his party was part of their front may continue to do so.
"Let them continue to claim so," he told reporters here when asked about BJP's stand that Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) continued to be with the NDA front in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to reporters after participating in a blood donation camp held by his party, the DMDK chief maintained that there was "still time left" to discuss the alliance for the next year's Assembly election.

He asserted that the party bodies-the general and executive councils as well as a proposed state conference and a meeting would take a call over the alliance question.
Vijaykanth also indicated that he would disclose about his party's stance at the right time.
He noted that All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) would not be able to capture power again in the state.

On parties, including the DMK and People's Welfare Front comprising MDMK, CPI(M), CPI and VCK which had invited DMDK to join them to fight the state Assembly election together, he said, "I thank them for the invite."

Yesterday, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan had said in Madurai that he was confident that DMDK would "continue to be in the NDA front."
DMDK, PMK and MDMK were the prominent allies of BJP during last year's Lok Sabha elections. But Vijayakanth on August 5 this year told reporters here that his party was not in alliance with anyone. However, BJP continued to claim that he was part of the NDA.
While MDMK snapped ties with the BJP in December last, PMK asserted that its ties with the saffron party were only at the central level.
Ramadoss-led party had yesterday offered the Deputy Chief Minister's post to the BJP if elected to power, demanding that the saffron party should accept the leadership of their chief Anbumani Ramadoss.