DMK moving from ‘covert to direct alliance’ with BJP, alleges Minister Nirmalkumar

Minister for Energy Resources and Law R. Nirmalkumar alleged that the DMK and BJP had been covertly allied earlier but are now moving towards a direct alliance. This revelation came during a press conference at Chennai's Secretariat, where Nirmalkumar was responding to questions about DMK parliamentary party leader Kanimozhi's meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi on Thursday.

Nirmalkumar stated that the DMK, which had previously maintained an indirect alliance with the BJP, has now opted for a direct alliance, explaining why former Minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan claimed that DMK MP Tiruchi Siva would soon be a Union Minister. Additionally, former DMK MP Kanimozhi N.V.N. Somu and BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasam hinted at the lack of permanent enemies or friends in politics.

When questioned about Ms. Kanimozhi's clarification regarding the purpose of her meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Nirmalkumar expressed skepticism about the rationale behind the meeting, especially considering that Birla had hosted a tea party. Nirmalkumar accused the DMK of "surrendering" to the Union government to protect its ill-gotten wealth.

He further alleged that the DMK is now doing what it did in 2001 by forming an alliance with the BJP and giving the BJP "recognition" in Tamil Nadu. Despite voting in favor of a resolution against delimitation in the Assembly, the DMK has not explicitly stated it would vote against the Delimitation Bill when introduced in Parliament.

Nirmalkumar also addressed the issue of investments worth ₹1 lakh crore expected to come to Tamil Nadu during the 100 days of the TVK-led government. He noted that these companies have been waiting to invest in Tamil Nadu and that many were hesitant to do so during the previous DMK regime due to secret memorandums of understanding (MoUs) entered with influential families.

Nirmalkumar attributed the reluctance to a lack of transparency in governance, but now, with increased transparency, companies are more willing to invest. He also mentioned that the Southern Zonal Council meeting is expected to be held in Mamallapuram the following week, although the official schedule has not yet been released, and arrangements are being made.