Jaya, Naveen keep options open

New Delhi: In what is seen as a shot-in-the-arm for the BJP, the AIADMK and the BJD have signalled possible tie-up with the NDA after the Lok Sabha polls results on Friday. With all Exit Polls unanimous that the BJP is all set to storm to power at the Centre, regional satraps and estranged allies are warming up to the BJP. Both AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa and BJD leader Naveen Patnaik, who have been part of the NDA in the past, have not ruled out possible support to the BJP-led NDA, thus keeping their doors open.

Senior AIADMK leader K Malaisamy hinted at supporting Modi, although he said it was for Jayalalithaa to take the final decision. “Modi is a great friend of Jayalalithaa, they may differ politically. If he becomes PM, then Madam would like close ties,” he said. AIADMK supremo and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa did not contradict Malaisamy. Jayalalithaa said, “I am waiting for the results on May 16 eagerly like every citizen of this country. There is nothing more I can say at this juncture. All I can say is let's wait for the result to come out. I will give you my comment then.”

Jayalalithaa has been out of power at the Centre for 10 years since 2004. With Exit Polls predicting that Jayalalithaa could win 25+ Lok Sabha seats from the total of 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, she would like to play a larger role at the Centre.

Tamil Nadu is reeling under power crisis and the Congress-led UPA government did not bail out her government. By supporting the Modi Government, she could gain politically. BJD leader Pravat Tripathi sought Special Category Status for Odisha, signalling that it could be the ground for the party to support the BJP. “Keeping in view the opinion of the whole country and the State’s interest, there should be no problem in providing conditional support to NDA to form government at the Centre,” he said.

Senior BJD leader Jay Panda explained what Pravat Tripathi has suggested is that conditional support can be given, but this is an issue, which needs discussion inside the party and ultimately the party leaders and BJD President Naveen Patnaik will take the final call. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said, “No talks at all. We have not discussed anything. We have not thought of it yet. Let us wait till the results.” But he kept the door open, saying, “No decisions have been taken at the moment and we will see in the future.”

Another BJD leader Pinaki Mishra said the Congress-led UPA Government was very hostile and discriminated against the State. He expressed the hope that the next Government at the will be less hostile and discriminatory towards Odisha, the reason why the BJD wants to warm up to BJP.