BJP hoping to persuade Jayalalithaa's AIADMK to join NDA alliance in upcoming meeting

While AIADMK will be busy trying to get financial assistance for several of the projects in the state during Jayalalithaa's visit to New Delhi, BJP is expected to talk only politics and strengthen NDA alliance. 

According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, June 14 will be the most likely date for the meeting between Jayalalithaa and Narendra Modi. With 49 MPs from AIADMK, BJP will be trying to convince Jayalalithaa to join the National Democratic Alliance. 

Jayalalithaa will be on a two-day visit to Delhi, said the report quoting sources. Issues such as a financial package for Tamil Nadu, water issues with neighbouring states, and fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy are likely to figure in the discussions. The Chief Minister will be seeking 'generous' financial assistance from the Central government for the state. 

Quoting a senior BJP leader, the report said "The Jayalalithaa-Modi meeting is being keenly watched by all parties. BJP wants to formalise the relationship with AIADMK. AIADMK has been on BJP’s side as far as Parliament is concerned and now the time has come for the Dravidian party to be in the alliance."

BJP will be using the cordial relationships of central ministers Venkaiah Naidu and Ravi Shankar Prasad with Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to persuade her to join in the fold of NDA. Mr Venkaiah Naidu had represented PM Modi at Jayalalithaa’s swearing-in as Chief Minister on May 23. 

The DC report also said that the TDP, one of NDA alliance partners from Andhra Pradesh will also be happy if AIADMK comes on board.