Adding to the buzz, Tamil Nadu chief minister J. Jayalalithaa indicated on Tuesday that she could consider supporting the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government if asked.
Jayalalithaa, who had offered to back the UPA government last November if the DMK withdrew support, was asked if that proposal could still be valid. She retorted: "Why are you asking me? Let those who have to ask do that." Addressing a press conference, her first since taking over as chief minister last week, she said she had been reading about Sonia Gandhi's invitation for a "tea party" and added that the Congress president had called her to congratulate her on her recent electoral victory.
The phone call had led to reported unease in the DMK, a part of the UPA and which has been under flak for the alleged involvement of its leaders in the 2G spectrum scam. Jayalalithaa's offer of support in November had come in anticipation of the DMK withdrawing from the UPA if DMK MP and then communication minister A. Raja was arrested. Raja is now in jail along with DMK MP and party chief M. Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi.