CHENNAI: In the run-up to the assembly elections, state BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan has sought to woo former Union minister G K Vasan, who has floated Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) after breaking away from Congress, saying he had a responsibility to strengthen the alternative front in Tamil Nadu if the domination of major Dravidian parties has to end.

"The responsibility to form an alternative alliance to principal Dravidian parties lies with BJP, PMK, DMDK and of course, Vasan as well," Tamilisai told TOI. "Some parties may leave, some may join, we are proceeding to strengthen our alliance," the BJP leader said, indicating that all is not well within the NDA in the state.

Vasan, who revived his father G K Moopanar's TMC in September last year, is keen on re-establishing Kamaraj rule known for development, corruption-free administration, transparency and accountability. "My immediate agenda is to strengthen the party and I expressed this at our party's general council meet as well. I have nothing more to add," Vasan told TOI when asked for his response.

BJP's attempt to find a common ground with Vasan comes at a time when it is finding it impossible to keep allies PMK and DMDK, who are loggerheads with each other, in the NDA fold. PMK has called DMDK chief Vijayakanth's recent action of leading a delegation of opposition parties, minus PMK, to New Delhi to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on issues concerning the state as a political gimmick.

While Vijayakanth has since taken a "sabbatical" overseas, apparently for medical treatment, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to taking on BJP, DMK, DMDK and AIADMK. With Anbumani and Vijayakanth flexing muscles, projecting themselves as CM candidates, BJP seems to be keen to woo the breakaway Congress outfit.

For BJP, the highly-critical PMK is a thorn in the flesh. Tamilisai said Anbumani could take up these issues in Parliament, a representative from Dharmapuri constituency, which he won in the company of BJP and DMDK. "PMK's intention was not to come with Vijayakanth, and speak on people's welfare. When parties like Congress and TMC could send representatives to meet Modi, why not PMK?" she wondered.