In a surprise turn, the PMK has backtracked on its tough stand that put a question mark over its ties with the BJP, with the party’s sole MP, Anbumani Ramadoss, affirming on Thursday that his party’s support to the NDA government would continue for the full five years.
Mr. Anbumani said he had not received any response from the BJP leadership to his suggestion that an arrangement be worked out for the 2016 Assembly polls. “Our support is unconditional. But in Tamil Nadu, in spite of my efforts, I am yet to hear from the BJP leadership for an arrangement for the Assembly polls,” he said in a chat with The Hindu .
Mr. Anbumani’s stance seems in contrast with PMK founder S. Ramadoss’ remark that his party would lead an alliance for the Assembly polls. However,
Mr. Anbumani clarified that he had neither lobbied nor requested for a berth in Narendra Modi’s Cabinet. “Allocating portfolios is the prerogative of the Prime Minister,” he said.
Asked about his earlier remark that it was for the BJP to clarify on the presence of the PMK in the alliance, he said he was quoted out of context. “We came together to contest the Lok Sabha polls as an alternative to the DMK and the AIADMK. The PMK is determined to project an alternative in the Assembly polls. Any party that shares our view can join hands with us,” Mr. Anbumani said.
The former Union Health Minister, however, added that everyone was entitled to his views, and BJP leaders Pon. Radhakrishnan and Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed their desire that the BJP come to power in the State.
Mr. Anbumani said the bonhomie between the BJP and the ruling AIADMK was now on a different track, and the election of M. Thambidurai as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha — without any consultation with the BJP allies — was a cause for concern.
As for Dr. Ramadoss’ assertion that his party would lead an alliance, he said there was nothing new in his remarks. “He has been saying this all along.”
