The CPI(M) top brass had then taken a stand that it cannot join the efforts for a third front with the AIADMK in view of its earlier association with the BJP and keeping in mind its bitter experience with that party after the 2001 Assembly elections. The CPI(M)-AIADMK alliance in 2001 had fallen apart months after the polls.

Sources in the CPI(M) said talks with the DMDK for an alliance did not materialise as Vijayakant was against expanding the front. “He was not prepared to expand the front. He was targeting the 2011 Assembly elections while we are looking at next year’s general elections,” a senior party leader said.

Sources in both the parties also hope that the alliance may set the PMK to rethink its electoral strategy. Sources close to Jayalalithaa said she was confident of the PMK joining the alliance. Asked about the possibility on Friday, she simply said “wait and see”.

While the formal announcement of the alliance came on Friday, Jayalalithaa had set the ball rolling as early as August when she announced that her party was open to a tie up with the Left.