Vasan bargains for Rajya Sabha seat with ruling party

Given the strength of the DMK and allies in the Assembly, the AIADMK would only be able to win three seats in the biennial election this time. The Moopanar progeny, however, is hopeful that the ruling party would oblige them. A senior TMC leader who did not wish to be named confirmed the negotiation between the two parties and said, “We were told even during the Lok Sabha elections that we would be given a nomination to the upper house. We are hopeful that they would oblige us.” Asked if Vasan had sent feelers, the TMC leader said, “He (Vasan) has spoken with the AIADMK leaders directly.”

One major deterrent to Vasan, however, could be the pressure from AIADMK old timers, at least a few of whom are eyeing political rehabilitation through the RS nomination. That said, Vasan also has an advantage no other MP aspirant could dream of - rapport with the BJP national leadership. The top brass in the saffron party were keen on reviving the political fortune of Vasan, who was among the very few leaders reportedly invited by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the state for the bilateral talks with the Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Not so long ago, political circles in the state were abuzz with speculations about the BJP high command showing interest in accommodating Vasan in some position in the government through the upper house nomination. In the same breath, speculation was rife about Vasan merging his party with the BJP, which also contributed to the optimism of TMC leaders, who believe, it would give a definite edge to their party chief if the AIADMK respondsgenerously.