Congress clinches pact with film star Vijayakanth in TN

NEW DELHI: Even as some allies continue to bargain with the Congress, it has quietly struck a strategic alliance in politically-crucial Tamil Nadu. The Congress high command has virtually formalised a Lok Sabha poll alliance with Desiya Murpokkan Dravida Kazhakam (DMDK) led by film star ���Captain��� Vijayakanth. A Congress source said ���the job is done��� and it will be announced at an appropriate time.

DMDK, theoretically opposed to DMK and AIADMK, is coming around to accepting the bi-polar political nature in the state. However, Mr Vijayakanth would not publicly treat DMK as an ally. Mr Karunanidhi will, however, distribute five to seven Lok Sabha seats to the Congress, meant for Mr Vijayakanth���s outfit. The Congress will handover these seats to DMDK ���from the Congress quota��� in return for its open support in seats where the Congress is contesting. DMK, facing growing isolation, has been taken into confidence about the Congress decision.

The Congress presumes DMDK, a growing political outfit fuelled by Vijayakanth���s popularity, could compensate for the loss of DMK allies MDMK and Left to Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK camp. The move is also crucial, keeping in mind the potential troubles DMK and PMK could have in the run up to the LS elections.

DMDK, an outfit launched in 2005, contested all 234 seats in the 2006 assembly elections, with only Mr Vijayakanth winning. Yet, the party got noticed for managing to secure over 9% votes. It is supposed to have grown thereafter and many have been trying to woo the film star���s party.

Though Mr Vijayakanth belongs to the politically insignificant Naidu community, his fan falling has ensured that DMDK got noticed in assembly elections.

For many months, Congress has been sounding out Mr Vijayakanth. After the initial break-through, important emissaries of the high command stepped in for dealing with him directly, with the help of some ���well wishers.���