DMK's snapping ties with PMK ending a successful alliance, which swept the 2004 Lok Sabha polls in Tamil Nadu, was expected to hasten the emergence of a new front lead by AIADMK as PMK is likely to cast its lot with Jayalalithaa for next general elections.

The DMK, along with its allies Congress, PMK, and Left parties had won all 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.

The PMK, which had influence among the most backward caste Vanniyar-dominated northern districts of the state, seems to be moving closer to AIADMK. The PMK was expected to finalise its course of action at a general council meeting on Friday.

Though the party appears to be not in a hurry to take a decision on the alliance issue, the general council is expected to authorise party founder S Ramadoss to take a final decision, party sources said.

The party president G K Mani, convening the meeting, said S Ramadoss, his son and Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and Union Minister of State for Railways R Velu would be attending the meeting to take stock of the political situation arising out of DMK's decision to snap ties with it.

The PMK, known for switching alliances before every election, may move over to AIADMK, leading to an emergence of a new combine headed by Jayalalithaa.

For its part, DMK is expected to compensate the loss of PMK vote bank, consisting of 5.65 per cent, by roping in smaller parties.

For AIADMK, which had only MDMK in its alliance, it would be a God-sent opportunity to include PMK in its alliance as it would help the party get some seats in the northern districts.