Vasan may visit Poes Garden to seek alliance with AIADMK

Some minor differences in the seat numbers were only delaying the formalisation of the alliance, TMC sources admitted. 

Though some ambitious TMC insiders claimed that the meeting could happen on March 18 and they were expecting one seat per revenue district (Tamil Nadu has 32 districts), realistic party leaders admitted that they would be content with 15 seats. Strictly speaking, the TMC would be the only major partner in the AIADMK kitty should it decide to have a smaller alliance in a multi-corner contest. 

A senior TMC leader said, “They (AIADMK) believe we are with them,” conceded that a lot will also depend on what number of seats the INC (Indian National Congress) gets from the DMK. TMC leader’s apprehensions may not be misplaced given that TMC is only the breakaway faction of the Congress and the AIADMK would closely watch the rival DMK camp before unveiling its plans. AIADMK is understood to have increased the offer to a little over a dozen seats.  

“We merely extended support like the fringe groups did a couple of days back. If our leader visits, it will be to sign the poll pact,” a TMC leader remarked, admitting that Vasan has made up his mind to go with the AIADMK, but keeps it confidential. Meanwhile, some TMC sources said the AIADMK leadership would host GK Vasan on the same day the DMK releases its manifesto.