The deepening chasm between the Tamil Nadu units of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) could have an impact on the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) as indications are that the DMK might walk out of the NDA by the end of January.
The DMK has 12 members in the Lok Sabha. A decision on the issue is likely to be taken after the return of Union minister Murasoli Maran from the US, where he is convalescing.
Maran is recovering rapidly and is expected back in time to attend the DMK national executive at the end of January.
Differences between the allies have a history. The BJP has never hidden its approval of the