VCK seeks to be part of DMK alliance in 2019 to counter 'religion politics'

With close to six months left for the Lok Sabha elections, parties in Tamil Nadu are already looking to make their poll strategies very clear. Talking to the media on Tuesday, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thirumalavalavan announced that his party will be fighting alongside the DMK to counter 'religious politics'. He further demanded that the DMK should announce their alliance plans.

Thirumalavalavan's clarification comes after he met AMMK chief TTV Dhinakaran at Kothamangalam in Sivaganga district. The VCK leader was quick to claim that this was meeting was by chance and further stated that he had even met the Chief Minister multiple times. He declared that these meeting were to discuss the welfare of the state's people but when it comes to elections, the party's stand was decided.

"We support the DMK and there in no issues in our relationship. The DMK, Congress, MDMK, VCK, Left and Muslim parties are all very close. We should become and alliance and the DMK should announce this alliance plan. This group of parties will become allies," said Thirumavalavan.

The DMK so far, has not made a final statement on their alliance plans for the Lok Sabha elections. Sources in the party however tell TNM that is too soon to be discussed.

"Alliances will be formalised closer to the elections. Technically, alliance means seat negotiations and the like, which is likely to happen during that period. It will probably happen in February," says the source close to party chief MK Stalin.

But will the parties metioned by the VCK chief, all be included?

"Like I said it is finalised only when the seat sharing is discussed and decided, in principle, the party wants to align with these parties," he adds.

Following his press meet, Thirumalavan met with MK Stalin at the Anna Arivalayam. In 2014, DMK did not ally with any regional or national parties for the general elections. They failed to garner even a single seat in the polls. Of the 39 seats, AIADMK under the leadership of J Jaylalithaa won 37 while the BJP won two seats.