Date:30/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/30/stories/2008123053570400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

We have pre-empted BJP’s manoeuvres to get toehold in State, says Raja

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: The BJP is angry with Left parties because they have pre-empted its manoeuvres to get a toehold in Tamil Nadu, CPI’s national secretary D. Raja said on Monday.

He was responding to the criticism of the Left-AIADMK understanding by BJP spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad.

“We have come to an understanding with the AIADMK, while the Telugu Desam Party and the Janata Dal (S) have agreed to be part of our electoral alliance. In Kerala, already we have the Left front. The BJP is not able to get any ally in all these southern States,” he told The Hindu.

Mr. Raja said the BJP was jittery because the electoral alliance forged by the Left parties was emerging as an alternative to both the Congress and the BJP.

He said he did not agree with the argument of Mr. Prasad that the third front was unable to project anyone as a Prime Ministerial candidate.

“In a democracy the largest combine that wins the elections will decide the Prime Ministerial candidate. What will happen if Mr. [L.K.] Advani, the [BJP’s] Prime Ministerial candidate, is defeated?” he asked.