By Gowtham K
Chennai: In a setback to the ruling AIADMK-led alliance, Manithaneya Jananayaga Katch (MJK) is all set to leave the ruling alliance and join Stalin-led opposition DMK alliance. The parting off MJK would affect the Muslim support to the ruling combine in Tamilnadu as state legislative elections are fast approaching. MJK chief and MLA from Nagapattinam, Thamimun Ansari said the ruling alliance is hobnobbing with the communal force that is becoming unbearable and his party cannot remain with the ruling combine.
Ansari was elected on AIADMK’s ticket in 2016 elections. He expressed concern over the growing influence of BJP on AIADMK alliance after the demise of former Chief minister Jayalalitha.
It is to be noted that Ansari was with Manithaneya Makkal Katchi headed by Prof MH Jawahirullah. He left the MMK and formed his own political outfit Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi. In 2016, he contested and won in AIADMK alliance in the Nagapattinam constituency under the double leaf symbol, where during that time MMK was the part of DMK alliance which unfortunately did not win any seat.
However, Ansari changed his mind and announced his support to the DMK-led alliance in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He also attended an all-party meeting convened by the DMK against the unilateral repeal of Article 370 from the Constitution through the presidential order, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
It is said that Ansari would go along with Dinakaran’s party in the assembly elections. However, it is learnt that a majority of the MJK members are urging him to join the DMK. Speaking with Muslim Mirror, MJK student wing president Javed Jaffer said that the party has agreed in principle joining the DMK alliance and it would contest 2 to 3 seats in the coming elections.
However, the final call on the issue will be taken at a meeting convened on January 23. The DMK alliance is keen to consolidate and retain the Muslim vote base. The Indian Union Muslim League and the Manithaneyamakkalkatchiare are already with the DMK. It was first reported that Asaduddin Owaisi’s MIM would also be part of the DMK alliance but the state Muslim parties opposing the entry of Owaisi. It is said MMK chief Jawahirullah also does not want MIM in the DMK fold. Keeping these sentiments in mind, DMK avoided taking MIM in the alliance.
