Chennai: AIADMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Sunday struck an electoral deal with the Commiunist Party of India (CPI) for the coming Lok Sabha election. She had a meeting with CPI leaders AB Bardhan, Sudhakar Reddy and D Pandian. Later, Jayalalithaa told
newsmen at her Poes Garden residence, "AIADMK and CPI have decided to enter into an alliance to face the Lok Sabha elections."
CPI has demanded the same two seats it contested last time in 2009 in alliance with her party. The constituencies are North Chennai and Tenkasi. It won only in Tenkasi.
Jayalalithaa said CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat would meet her on Monday.
It is learnt that the AIADMK is likely to participate in the Third Front meeting in Delhi on February 5. The Front comprises of Left parties, JD(U), BJD, JD(S) and SP.
Bardhan said their "secular and democratic alternative" would lead them to victory.
Bardhan is reported to have said that the prospects of Jayalalithaa becoming a prime ministerial candidate will open up if the Front gets majority.
Jayalalithaa said her slogan for the polls is, "Our slogan is Peace, Prosperity and Progress," and that the
alliance will win all the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The Communists have strong support bases in Coimbatore and Kanyakumari.
AIADMK had backed one nominee each of the Left parties in the Rajya Sabha elections.
