Lok Sabha elections 2019: DMDK seals pact with BJP-AIADMK alliance in Tamil Nadu, gets four seats

Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) on Sunday entered into an electoral pact with DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam) led by actor-turned politician Vijayakanth a month ahead of the Lok Sabha polls in the country.

After prolonged negotiations, the AIADMK has alloted four Lok Sabha seats to the DMDK in Tamil Nadu, where the elections are scheduled to take place on April 18 in a single phase.

An agreement was signed between the top leadership of the two parties here in the presence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam and Vijayakanth and DMDK Treasurer and his wife Premalatha.

READ:  National Approval Ratings: In Tamil Nadu, Massive Gains For Congress-DMK Alliance As AIADMK & NDA Likely To Record Another Loss

Announcing the tie-up, AIADMK Deputy Chief Minister and party Coordinator O. Panneerselvam said the DMDK will also support his party in the by-elections for 21 Assembly constituencies.

Furthermore, DMDK Treasurer Premalatha agreed to provide full support from her party to the AIADMK in the bypolls to 18 assembly seats and local body elections, expected in May.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK has already finalised seat sharing with BJP and PMK and a few smaller outfits for the Lok Sabha elections. It has alloted seven seats to PMK, five to the BJP in the state and the lone Puducherry seat to AINRC. 

READ: Lok Sabha 2019 Election Dates: Counting To Be Held On 23 May - Here's The Full Schedule For The 2019 Parliamentary Polls For All Phases As Announced By The Election Commission

The AIADMK officially become a part of NDA on February 19 finalising the seat-sharing for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. 

The BJP will contest from five out of forty seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The party will also support the AIADMK in by-polls which will happen for 21 constituencies.

Addressing a press briefing after the alliance meeting, BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal also shared the details of the alliance:

"I am extremely delighted that BJP and AIADMK have accepted to contest the parliamentary polls and by polls along with other parties. We will support AIADMK in the by-elections on 21 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu," he said. 

AIADMK And BJP Form Alliance, To Fight Assembly And Lok Sabha Polls In Tamil Nadu And Puducherry Together

(With agency inputs)