DMK needs Congress; Congress needs to move away: Cho

First, the embroilment in the 2G scam, then, the fiasco in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, and now, a rejected bail plea for Kanimozhi that sent her to jail, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) seems to be rolling in bad news.

Cho Ramaswamy, political analyst and editor of Thuglak magazine joins CNBC-TV18 to discuss the implications of the latest blow to the party- the arrest of Kanimozhi. He tells the channel that the DMK is in desperate need of the alliance with the Centre (congress), more than ever before. However, this is also the time when the Congress needs to break away their alliance with DMK, if they want to retain their credibility, he says. Cho also points out that the Congress could now contemplate an alliance with AIADMK. Below is the verbatim transcript. Also watch the accompanying video. Q: Kanimozhi has been arrested, in an expected move because none of the other high profile accused have been granted bail. What exactly are the political implications of her being sent to judicial custody, what is the DMK strategy now likely to be?
A: When you talk of political implications, I think you are talking about the relationship between the DMK and the Congress. The DMK needs the Congress now. It is in a very sad predicament. They have already lost power in Tamil Nadu. If they lose power at the center also, it will become very difficult for them to face these cases. They need the protection of the Center, so I think they will stick to their alliance. However, it is in the interest of the Congress to see that the alliance is terminated because the Congress will be becoming very unpopular if they continue the alliance. They lost the election because they were in alliance with the DMK. If they continue, then people will think that there is something between them, there must be some share even in the scam, otherwise the Congress would not be continuing this alliance. To get rid of that impression at least, the Congress must be out of it. Also see: 2G scam: Kanimozhi, Sharad Kumar arrested Q: As you pointed out this does come as a big embracement for the DMK. The DMK needs the Congress Party at this point in time, it really is in no position of power or to try and negotiate. So where do we really see this relationship going from here?
A: As I said, they have to swallow their anger. Karunanidhi will be definitely be very upset with the Congress that they did not talk to the CBI and protect Kanimozhi. Nonetheless, they will have to continue with the alliance for their own good, where as, the Congress will have to leave the DMK alliance for their good. Q: Do you think the Congress will now contemplate a possible alliance with the AIADMK even though they have in the past said that their relationship with the DMK stands?
A: Yes, I think the Congress will do it, because after all it has to survive politically in this state.