In its attempt to forge a non-DMK, non-AIADMK bloc for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the BJP on Monday, 26 February, struck an alliance with the GK Vasan-led Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) in Tamil Nadu. TMC was launched by late GK Moopanar in 1996 after he walked out of the Congress protesting against its decision to align with the AIADMK.