Have Sasikala’s Tacit Support, No Talks from BJP for Merger with AIADMK: TTV Dhinakaran

Expelled AIADMK leader VK Sasikala’s nephew TTV Dhinakaran said the former may have quit active politics, but his party, Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam (AMMK) has her tacit support. The AMMK is contesting the upcoming Assembly election in Tamil Nadu in alliance with actor-turned-politician Vijaykanth’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). In an interview, Dhinakaran further says that he has never been approached by the BJP for a rapprochement with the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

Edited excerpts.

Do you believe there is Sasikala’s full support even if she says she not active in politics?

I believe she is supporting us from her heart. That’s my feeling.

Any direct word from Sasikala?

She did not directly say anything. I don’t want to disturb her. But she is supporting us only from her heart. It is natural.

What if she comes and tells that no one should use her name?

How to react to this kind of questions. I cannot reply to such speculations.

The AMMK has been accused of being here only to split votes to defeat the AIADMK?

The AIADMK is the B-team of the DMK They will cut our votes. That’s what our feeling is. That’s what people of Tamil Nadu feel.

There are strong speculations and polls suggesting an edge for the DMK?

It is all pure speculation. We will wait till counting day. We strongly believe people of Tamil Nadu will vote for good governance, so they will vote for AMMK and allies.

There are reports saying the BJP trying to merge AMMK with AIADMK. Have you received any communication from the BJP?

It was there in media, but nobody approached me or pressurised me. Nobody from the BJP or any other party.

The BJP attempt anything like that?

No. No such attempt was made. No such proposal came my way.