CHENNAI: In the expected lines, the Pattali Makkal Katchi, led by Anbumani Ramadoss, on Wednesday joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam–Bharatiya Janata Party alliance in Tamil Nadu for the ensuing State Assembly elections.
Announcing the tie-up, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the alliance had been formed with the clear objective of unseating what he described as the people-opposed DMK government. He expressed confidence that the alliance would secure a majority of the 234 Assembly seats and form the next government, promising an administration that would deliver schemes responsive to public needs and ensure a strong Tamil Nadu. Palaniswami said the PMK had formally joined the alliance and number of seats has been finalised. "Other things we will announce it later," he said about identification of the constituencies.
Welcoming the alliance, Anbumani Ramadoss said the decision reflected the expectations of PMK cadres and marked a happy moment for the party. He described the AIADMK-led front as a strong alliance committed to removing the DMK government, which he alleged had failed on corruption, women’s safety, social justice and the interests of government employees, fishermen, students and workers. Citing feedback from his recent 100-day padayatra, Anbumani claimed that public anger against the DMK was palpable from villages to cities, with voters awaiting the elections.