The third front theme is generally sought out by the regional parties for providing a better stable alternative to the existing two fronts available in the country. The United Progressive Alliance led by the ruling Congress party and the National Democratic Alliance led by the Bharatiya Janata Party. The two parties that are not attached to any of the national fronts are J Jayalalithaa led All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham of Tamil Nadu and Biju Janata Dal represented by Bihar Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Imagine what would have conspired when these two parties meet!! It may be noted that both these non-Congress Chief Ministers frantically opposed the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), stating that the proposal breached the sovereignty of the state.

True these two CMs met at Chennai when the Bihar CM was invited to the Centenary Auditorium of the Madras University on Friday. Ms Jayalalithaa hosted a lunch for Mr Patnaik. Later, they met for about an hour at the Poes Garden, the residence of Ms Jayalalithaa.  The Bihar CM was on a two-day visit to the city, for the first time. It may be noted that the Bihar CM on Thursday, said that Ms Jayalalithaa should head the proposed sub-committee of chief ministers that would examine the NCTC.

From this point critics started speculating about the theory of a possible third front, in which both these parties would have a strong say. Well leaving aside the speculations the meeting had non-political claim both the CMs. In fact Ms Jayalalithaa went on to say that it was a brother’s visit to a sister’s house and nothing else.  However columnists, are not going to give into this given the Presidential polls fast approaching next month.  (With Inputs from Internet- Aarkay)