News Tamil Nadu

Actor Sarath Kumar Merges His Party With BJP In Tamil Nadu For Upcoming Lok Sabha Polls

March 12, 2024
The Commune

On 12 March 2024, the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK), led by actor R Sarath Kumar, officially merged with the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in anticipation of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.

The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party President K Annamalai, welcoming the decision made by Sarath Kumar issued an official statement on his X handle. He wrote, “To uphold the spirit of nationalism from the Tamil soil & inspired by the able leadership of our beloved PM Thiru @narendramodi avl, Thiru @realsarathkumar announced officially today in the presence of senior leaders of @BJP4TamilNadu & our Parliament Election In-Charge Thiru @MenonArvindBJP avl that the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi will be merged with Bharatiya Janata Party.”

“Thiru @realsarathkumar avl has been vocal about his Nationalistic thoughts through Art, is a man of high personal integrity & has devoted his life to the service of Tamil people. This decision of Thiru @realsarathkumar avl comes at an appropriate time while the people are yearning for change in Tamil Nadu. On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, we wholeheartedly welcome Thiru @realsarathkumar avl to the BJP Family!.”

Previously in a statement to PTI, Sarath Kumar, the AISMK party chief, said, “This is for the people. This is for the nation. We need to work only with the interest of the nation, and we are extremely and proud of this decision.”

After two rounds of discussions, AISMK concluded its merger with the BJP, affirming collaboration for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. A BJP delegation, including L Murugan, National Secretary H Raja, and TN BJP in-charge Aravind Menon, met with Sarath Kumar last week. During the meeting, Sarath Kumar remarked, “To ensure a prosperous India, a good regime (at the center) again, and uphold unity and to elect Narendra Modi as PM for the third time, I have decided to join work with BJP.”

Sarath Kumar, who established the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi in 2007, had a longstanding association with the AIADMK alliance. Notably, his party secured two seats in the Assembly during the 2011 elections, highlighting its political presence in the state.

It is important to note that general elections are anticipated in India between April and May to elect members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The term of the 17th Lok Sabha is scheduled to conclude in June. The previous general elections were held in April–May 2019, leading to the formation of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre, with Narendra Modi continuing as the Prime Minister for a second consecutive term.

(with inputs from TimesNow)

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