In a development which may alter the political topography of Tamil Nadu, sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party claim that the party has offered the position of Deputy Chief Minister to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party leader Vijay, should the NDA win the upcoming Assembly elections. In the emerging proposal for seat-sharing between the two parties, the saffron party is willing to allocate around 80 seats to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party, with the emerging proposal between the two parties said to be at an advanced stage.
The BJP's aggressive pursuit of the actor-turned-politician is a calculated attempt to tap into his sprawling fan base. Strategists believe that in a state where electoral margins are famously razor-thin, even a two per cent shift in the vote share could be enough to topple established rivals in several key constituencies.
To facilitate the talks, the BJP has reportedly opened multiple lines of communication, including the involvement of a Deputy Chief Minister from another state who is said to be acting as a high-level mediator.
However, the path to an alliance is not without its hurdles. Sources indicate that Vijay himself remains keen on the Chief Minister’s office, which continues to be a major sticking point in the discussions. Furthermore, a significant degree of trepidation exists within Vijay’s inner circle.
Several close advisors are said to be worried that an early alliance with a national heavyweight like the BJP could hurt his credibility. Having launched TVK as a fresh, independent alternative to the traditional powers in the state, there is a danger that an alliance with the NDA could undermine his credentials as an outsider.
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