Cong keeps up suspense on issue of alliances in TN, Puducherry

Congress today kept up suspense on the issue of alliances in poll-bound Tamil Nadu and Puducherry despite party leaders from the two southern states holding elaborate consultations with Rahul Gandhi on electoral strategy.

"Whenever any decision is taken, we will let you know," was the refrain of party General Secretary Mukul Wasnik to a host of questions from reporters on the issue.

He refused to say anything more despite pressed as to what decision on the alliance issue was arrived at when party leaders from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry met Gandhi in the last two days.

Two days ago, Rahul had held deliberations with leaders from Tamil Nadu on the strategy to be adopted in the poll- bound state where the issue of forging an alliance holds the key to prospects of the party.
 

A section in the party believes that the high command would opt for an alliance with DMK and other like-minded parties like DMDK in the state ruled by AIADMK.

Only last month, DMK chief M Karunanidhi had said that Congress would be invited to join the alliance led by his party for coming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

Karunanidhi's statement had come nearly three years after snapping ties with Congress.

Congress is out of power in Tamil Nadu for nearly five decades and has generally been aligning with either of the Dravidian parties- DMK or AIADMK. Sometimes, it had contested alone too but without much success.

Reports had it that some leaders from Tamil Nadu had utilised the opportunity to press for their demand for removal of PCC chief E V K S Elangovan.

AICC has given signals that the decision on the issue of alliances would be taken keeping in mind the aim of checking ruling BJP in 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the view of the state units on tieups in their areas.

Yesterday, senior leaders of Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) also apprised the Congress Vice President about the current political developments in the union territory.

AICC general secretary and former Union Minister of State V Narayanasamy, Leader of Opposition V Vaithilingam and PPCC president A Namassivayam met Rahul.

A senior leader, who declined to be identified, said that these were still early days to decide on the alliance issue in the two southern states as rival sides have been making attempts to poach to come up the winner.