The BJP, which entered into an alliance with the AIADMK for the Lok Sabha polls, months after party president Amit Shah dubbed Tamil Nadu the most corrupt State, is now seeking to justify the change in its stance. The party’s State president, Tamilisai Soundararajan, says Mr. Shah’s remarks have been misinterpreted, and that the AIADMK can transform itself into a developmental party. Excerpts from an interview:
There is a perception that the BJP-AIADMK front has roped in caste-based parties...
The Congress-DMK combine has constantly deceived the people. They have neither safeguarded Tamils in India nor those in Sri Lanka. Parties that have done nothing for the State should be defeated. This is a poll calculation. Also, this is not the first time that we have allied with the PMK. They were our ally last time as well. They are also talking about development. There is nothing wrong in aligning with a regionally strong party.
Your party’s national president Amit Shah had accused Tamil Nadu of being the most corrupt State. How does the BJP intend to fight corruption by aligning with the AIADMK now?
One thing I want to say — our national president…he didn’t say the AIADMK was corrupt. He said that in Tamil Nadu, electoral politics was corrupt, which was misinterpreted. Another issue you may raise is that they (T.N. Ministers) are facing cases. [But] they are cooperating with the inquiry. The investigating agencies are doing their duty. The Ministers cooperated and the cases…nothing has been proven. Furthermore, the schemes the Chief Minister is bringing out are people-friendly – the Pongal gift, the insurance scheme, the Athikadavu-Avinashi [water supply] scheme, the e-tender scheme, the investors’ meet, etc. The State has received so many awards…the AIADMK can move to a developmental model. They can move to a non-corrupt model. When the ruling parties at the Centre and in the State are implementing good schemes in Tamil Nadu, what is wrong in them aligning with each other?
Are you happy with the five Lok Sabha seats allotted by the AIADMK [to your party] when the PMK has got seven [Lok Sabha seats] plus a Rajya Sabha seat?
We are very much aware of our political situation and strength in Tamil Nadu. Definitely, our party has grown. The other issue we are facing, unlike the DMK alliance, is that the AIADMK has 37 sitting MPs. We have to understand their problem as well. The PMK will help them in the Assembly byelections, and they are strong in the northern districts. Winning is more important than ego. Victory in all the 40 seats (in T.N. and Puducherry) will enable Narendra Modi to retain the Prime Minister’s post.
How is the party dealing with reports of internal squabbling for tickets?
Ours is a disciplined party. We will accept whatever our central leadership says. Our central leadership knows very well whom to field. Last time, I was the national secretary of the party, and all national office-bearers were contesting. But I gave up my candidature. I strongly believe that everyone should be given an opportunity, but it cannot happen all the time. If they don’t get an opportunity now, they may get a chance in the Assembly elections or the local body polls. Hard work will always be recognised.
What is the update on the talks with the DMDK?
Talks are going on very positively. But every party will have some restrictions and reservations. They might want some precise seats, precise numbers. [Judging by] the way the talks are going on, they will be [allying] with us. As on date, we are the strongest alliance.
The PMK has given a list of demands, which includes the release of the convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. What is the BJP’s position on this?
Whatever can be done under the purview of the law will be done. Whatever can be explained will be explained. Whatever can be considered will be considered. They (PMK) will understand...They are responsible people.