BJP volte-face on PMK entry

By Radha Venkatesan

CHENNAI, JULY 18. In an apparent softening of stance on the possible re-entry of the PMK into the NDA, the State BJP today conceded that its return would help to bolster the DMK-led Opposition against the ``authoritarian'' Jayalalithaa regime. The State BJP general secretary, Mr. L. Ganesan, who earlier fiercely opposed the PMK's re-admission, told The Hindu that the PMK's support with 20 MLAs for the DMK-led Opposition in the Assembly would be ``a welcome addition.''

``There is a view in the BJP that while facing an authoritarian government we need every bit of support,'' he said. Another perception was that ``any addition to the NDA Government at the Centre is welcome.''

As for his earlier statement that welcoming the PMK, which had deserted the DMK-led NDA on the eve of the Assembly election, would be ``an act of opportunism,'' Mr. Ganesan clarified that it was only his personal view and not that of the party.

However, now ``we have to see which is the lesser evil.'' And, ``we need to put up a powerful fight against the AIADMK.''

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Section  : Southern States
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