BJP forges alliance with five regional parties for Lok Sabha polls

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajnath Singh on Thursday announced that the BJP and five regional parties of Tamil Nadu have entered into an alliance and will be fighting the upcoming general elections together.

The BJP has decided to form an alliance with DMDK (Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam), headed by actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth, the MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), the PMK (Paattali Makkal Katchi), and two other regional parties.

Rajnath also announced seat sharing between the BJP and five parties. The DMDK will contest on 14 seats, PMK and BJP on eight seats each, MDMK on seven, and other two regional parties -KMDK and IJK, on one each.

"This is a formidable alliance and we expect 25 seats in Tamil Nadu. It's a historical moment for India. Unlike the UPA, the BJP is genuinely committed to retaining India's federal character," said Rajnath.

The alliance with five regional parties will help the BJP give a tough fight to two Tamil Nadu heavyweights- DMK and AIADMK.