Chennai: DMK organising secretary R S Bharathi has questioned the criticism around a possible DMK–AIADMK understanding, asking what would be wrong if “partner” parties were to align.
In an interview, Bharathi said the recent election had served as a lesson in identifying friends and foes, and claimed changes would come soon. He criticised parties that, after benefiting from cadre work, switch alliances within days, calling it unacceptable.
He pointed to AIADMK MLAs resigning their posts before moving to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and said parties leaving the DMK-led alliance should follow a similar practice. He also said the MDMK’s general council would take a decision similar to the Indian Union Muslim League, and described the election as unusual, adding that few expected actor-politician Vijay to win and that the surprise had cost stronger players.
Bharathi said the DMK had not spoken about forming a government with AIADMK, but argued that AIADMK was not an “untouchable” party and noted that Communist parties had allied with it in the past. He said AIADMK split from DMK 54 years ago and insisted it was not an enemy but a “partner”, adding that even if an alliance were formed, it should not be seen as wrong.
He claimed perceptions of closeness had grown as both parties now sit in the same row in the Assembly, and alleged that former alliance partners contributed to this narrative. Bharathi said Chief Minister M K Stalin was working out strategies to face the situation, and maintained that no DMK leaders or cadres had left and that there was no internal unrest.
