Kanimozhi meets INDIA bloc allies as DMK eyes broader coalition beyond BJP, Cong

Mumbai: DMK parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi has initiated consultations with prominent regional leaders following the defeat of the Constitution Amendment Bill on delimitation and an increase in the number of Lok Sabha seats.

As part of the outreach, Kanimozhi visited Shiv Sena(UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his Matoshree residence in Mumbai’s Bandra. Thackeray personally welcomed the DMK MP and honoured her with a ceremonial golden shawl.

Shiv Sena(UBT) MPs Anil Desai and Milind Narvekar were also present during the meeting, which lasted nearly an hour. The leaders reportedly discussed the delimitation Bill’s defeat in Parliament, the Congress’ current approach towards the BJP and the future course of the INDIA bloc.

The discussion also focused on the importance of regional and smaller parties within the Opposition alliance and the role they could play in addressing emerging political challenges.

Particular attention was given to the possible impact of delimitation on southern states and the need for affected states and regional parties to coordinate their response.

Following her meeting with Thackeray, Kanimozhi travelled to Delhi, where she held separate discussions with Nationalist Congress Party(SP) leader Sharad Pawar and his daughter and Lok Sabha member Supriya Sule.

The meetings have triggered speculation that the DMK is exploring the possibility of bringing together regional parties that have differences with the Congress party.

Such an initiative could eventually pave the way for the emergence of a third political formation at the national level, independent of both the BJP and the Congress.

During her interaction with Thackeray, Kanimozhi reportedly discussed greater cooperation among state-based parties opposed to the delimitation proposals. The two leaders also exchanged views on the feasibility of creating a broader platform for regional forces.

The DMK had stayed away from an anti-delimitation meeting convened in Chennai under the leadership of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, although the Congress participated in it.

The episode highlighted differences among Opposition parties over the strategy to be adopted on the issue.

Thackeray’s reported differences with Congress in Maharashtra have also added significance to Kanimozhi’s visit.

Kanimozhi is expected to continue her outreach by meeting Punjab Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader Bhagwant Mann, as well as Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav.

The proposed meetings are being viewed as part of the DMK’s attempt to assess support for a coordinated regional political platform.

IANS