With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections expected in the coming months, political activity in the State has intensified, and indications have emerged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi may visit Tamil Nadu on January 28.
The developments come on the same day the AIADMK–PMK alliance was formally confirmed. AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami said the number of Assembly seats to be allotted to the PMK would be announced later and added that more parties could join the alliance.
According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to participate in the Lotus Women’s Conference proposed to be held in Kanyakumari on January 28.
It is learnt that the Prime Minister may address leaders of the alliance parties from a common platform during the event. The possible visit follows Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, during which he held discussions related to alliance formation and election strategy. Subsequent to his visit, alliance talks are said to have gained momentum.
Sources said the Bharatiya Janata Party is keen on completing alliance-related discussions ahead of the Prime Minister’s proposed visit, with the aim of presenting a consolidated front for the elections.
Although the Election Commission has not yet announced the schedule for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the confirmation of the AIADMK–PMK alliance and the likelihood of high-profile political visits signal that the election campaign in the State is beginning to gather pace.
