CPI(M) and DMK seal state-level alliance after Yechury visits Stalin

With an effort to bring together the anti-BJP parties on a common platform, CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury met DMK president M.K. Stalin at his residence on November 13. As per sources, the leaders met to discuss the alternatives in terms of having an alliance without the Congress. This comes within days of both the leaders meeting Naidu and giving their support to the alliance against the NDA for the 2019 polls.

Addressing the media after the meet, Sitaram Yechury said:

"We had a very fruitful meeting with MK Stalin and other leaders of the DMK. We have come to a conclusion that India has to be safe. It has to be safe from the policies and the manner in which governance is being run by the current Modi-government at the centre. That is absolutely essential. Protecting India's Constitution, Republic and order. It is essential for protecting India's unity and integrity and it is also essential to stop this assault on the lively hood of the people. There is no section in India today who's lively hood has not been deteriorated during the last four years. So, on all these issues it is important that all these secular-minded parties value Indian democracy and value the Indian republic and unity of our people and to come together and on that basis create a better India. That is the objective that we spoke. We have the common objective and I think this will be done taking all secular parties". 

"Alliance will always take primarily at state level first and then national level. The state-level alliance with DMK has been finalised now for forthcoming polls. We are all together in saving the nation, towards saving the institution of the nation", he added. 

Read: CPI(M)'s Sitaram Yechury Latest To Join Chandrababu Naidu's United Front, Promises Repeat Of 2004 Coalition Success

Earlier, MK Stalin had ''promised'' his support for the anti-BJP platform after meeting with Naidu on November 9 and urged parties in Opposition to do the same.

"Federal powers of the state have already been taken off by the BJP government. We are continuously giving voice against the Centre. This government is influencing all agencies including the CBI for their political benefits. Leaders from across the country should come together to oust BJP from power. I have promised complete support to Naidu," he said.

With the agenda of a United Front against the NDA for the 2019 polls, the Left party chief assured a coalition like that of 2004 will take place where it will happen post elections and will happen in the states. 

"In 2004, UPA was created after the polls, the coalition was formed in the states. The same will happen in 2019, the coalition will happen in states after the polls, gatbhandhan will happen in the states," he said.

Read: SCOOP: Eyeing Their Position Vis-a-vis Congress, Naidu 'supporters' Stalin And Yechury To Meet On Tuesday

It seems DMK and the CPI(M) want to checkmate Congress by showing they have more options for the coalition, even before the INC does the same as it has Kamal Haasan (Makkal Needhi Maiam) and TTV Dhinakaran (Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam) as other options to form its coalition.