The participation of AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami in a recent meeting of NDA leaders in New Delhi has laid to rest speculation that the Dravidian outfit and the BJP may part ways.
It was not Mr. Palaniswami’s presence as such, but the importance given to him by the BJP at the meeting that caught the attention of many, especially his detractors. He was one of the few to receive Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the venue. He sat next to Mr. Modi. He seconded a resolution that the NDA would face the 2024 Lok Sabha polls under Mr. Modi’s leadership. The BJP’s eagerness to keep Mr. Palaniswami in good humour was evident from the fact that the AIADMK’s deposed coordinator, O. Panneerselvam, and the AMMK general secretary, T.T.V. Dhinakaran, both considered potential allies of the BJP, did not receive an invite to the meeting, which was attended by representatives of many smaller parties. Their absence was especially conspicuous given that the BJP had been inviting both of them together to many events until recently.
The event has also dispelled the notion that the AIADMK will chart its own course for next year’s election. After attending the NDA meeting, Mr. Palaniswami was quick to assert that his party will lead the alliance with the BJP in Tamil Nadu.
