BJP to play mediator between AIADMK factions, regional outfit may join NDA fold

The BJP may be set to extend its base in South India by forming an alliance with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), reported News18. According to the report, BJP will play the role of mediator between the two factions of AIADMK: one headed by chief minister E Palaniswamy and the other headed by former chief minister O Panneerselvam. [caption id=“attachment_3797499” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Representational image. AFP[/caption] It is also being believed that depending on the outcome of the talks, AIADMK is likely to join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre. “The party (BJP) is keen that the legacy of the late chief minister J Jayalalithaa is protected and for that it is important that both Palaniswamy and Panneerselvam come together and end their differences. BJP will again play the role of a mediator or facilitator but leaders of AIADMK have to take the final decision,” a senior BJP leader told   LiveMint. The Hindustan Times on Tuesday quoted state finance minister D Jayakumar saying that “merger talks were going on. The merger can happen very soon.” Earlier, there were speculations  about BJP’s influencing O Paneerselvam. He had demanded the removal of Sasikala and Dinakaran from their party posts and to be kept away from the government before the merger. Currently, Palaniswamy’s faction enjoys a comfortable majority with 123 legislators while Paneerselvam’s faction has the support of 10 legislators in the state assembly and a dozen parliamentarians, NDTV reported. The merger talks have been going on for a while but hit roadblocks as both the factions blamed each for not co-operating.