Chennai: DMDK came under fire from NDA for allying with DMK, with the BJP alleging that late DMDK founder Vijayakant’s soul would never forgive the party’s current leadership for the decision. “Captain Vijayakant opposed DMK–Congress alliance till his last breath. But the party he founded has joined hands with the evil force today,” the official X handle of BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit said, with the hashtag “Captain’s soul will not forgive”.AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami sought to downplay the DMDK–DMK alliance deal. “An alliance is a choice of political parties and their leaders,” EPS said when asked about the DMDK’s decision. However, other AIADMK leaders criticised the decision, stating that DMDK’s alliance choice was bound to weaken the party. Referring to DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant’s remark that “fruit has fallen into sweetened milk”, former minister O S Manian said whether it was milk or poison would be known later. Tamil Maanila Congress president G K Vasan said DMDK’s decision was against the sentiments of the people of TN. “Vijayakant never allied with DMK,” he said.TVK leaders criticised Premallatha Vijayakant for aligning with DMK, while parties in DMK alliance said her move “cemented DMK’s victory” in the assembly election. MDMK general secretary Vaiko described the inclusion of DMDK as “sweet news” that would further strengthen the DMK alliance. VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said late CM M Karunanidhi’s dream came true. “What he wished in 2016 came true now,” he said. TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai said he was the first person who wished DMDK into the alliance. “I said two years ago it will be good for our alliance if DMDK becomes part of it,” Selvaperunthagai said. tnn
