No cracks in INDIA alliance, says Sanjay Raut amid DMK-Congress row

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the INDIA bloc remains united despite tensions between the DMK and Congress over support to Vijay-led TVK in Tamil Nadu. He said the alliance’s common objective is to keep the NDA out of power at the national level

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Saturday said there are no cracks in the opposition INDI bloc over the Congress backing Vijay-led TVK for government formation in Tamil Nadu despite fighting the polls there in alliance with the DMK.

The DMK on Friday sought a change in seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, saying their alliance with the Congress has ended and it would not be appropriate for its members to sit alongside those of the Congress.

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Both parties are prominent constituents of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Talking to reporters, Raut said there were no cracks in the opposition alliance and exuded confidence that “we will be together for Lok Sabha polls”. The DMK has been a Congress ally for many years, and DMK was also with the BJP at some point of time, he said.

The people of Tamil Nadu had, for the first time people, given a mandate to the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam with 108 seats in the 234-assembly, Raut said. Results of polls in the southern state were declared on May 4.

“No,” Raut replied when asked whether there were cracks in the INDI alliance. Raut said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had spoken to DMK chief M K Stalin before taking the decision to back the TVK.
“That mandate has to be respected. Everyone’s stand is to keep the NDA away from power,” Raut said.

DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for changing the seating arrangement in view of the changed political circumstances. “The stand taken by the DMK is for their political existence. We will be together for Lok Sabha polls,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP said.