Modi should flash V sign for Jayalalitha

Jayalalithaa was forced to quit as a chief minister after she was convicted in a Rs
66.64 crore disproportionate assets case. The Bengaluru trial court sentenced her to
four years in jail but the case was overturned by the Karnataka High Court on May
11, paving the way for a comeback as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu.

As she started her journey from the Poes Garden to Madras University to take oath
as Chief Minister for the fifth time, the hundreds of thousands thronged the streets.
The atmosphere was electrifying and Jayalalitha was nothing less than a demi-god.
This was her first appearance in public in eight months.
Jayalalitha is back in town and the political parties in Delhi are already weighing
their options for an alliance. Although the BJP has not hinted at any association with
the beleaguered CM, it cannot be ruled out. There are no permanent friends and
permanent enemies in politics, there are only permanent interests.
She has close to 12 members in the Rajya Sabha and the Narendra Modi-led
Government has little influence in the Upper House. A little help from Jayalalitha
could go a long way in helping the NDA government pass bills of public interest
without being bogged down by an unhealthy opposition. BJP president Amit shah
should reach out to Jayalalitha and discuss the possibility of an alliance. Critics
would question the partys credibility, pointing out the fact that Amma is still not in
the clear and the charges still exist. She only has temporary relief.
Such an argument is flawed. She has been cleared of all charges and is legally
eligible to enter politics. The Government can make informed decision but a

partnership is certainly a possibility that the party high command would be

considering. This will help the party make inroads into the Tamil Nadu politics.
Jaya's AIADMK with 11 members in Rajya Sabha and TMC with 12 members can
make a difference for the Government. 23 members from both the parties in the
Rajya Sabha will provide a big boost in getting many bills, such as the Land Bill and
GST Bill, passed. NDA currently has 60 MPs in the Upper House, which is way below
the halfway mark of 123 in the 245-member House. It goes up to 62 if the PDP, the
BJP's Jammu and Kashmir partner, is also counted in. The Congress has 68 MPs in
the Rajya Sabha and together, it goes up to 94.
The formation of regional alliances is a priority for the Government and it makes all
the sense. Forging alliances with local parties will increase the Governments basein
areas where it has so far failed to make an impact!
Caption: The Narendra Modi-led Government must build relations with Jayalalitha in
order to increase numbers in Rajya Sabha. There no permanent friends and
permanent enemies in politics, there are only permanent interests. Of course, ethics
can never be compromised!
Category: Politics
Keywords: Narendra Modi, Jayalalitha, aiadmk