New Delhi: In a calculated political gamble that may set off realignment of forces, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to enlist the support of its former ally All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) to face the no-confidence motion to be moved by Congress in Lok Sabha on August 18.

The decision to talk to AIADMK was taken on August 15 night at a strategy session Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had with his deputy L K Advani, National Democratic Alliance (NDA) convenor George Fernandes and other senior BJP leaders at his residence.

The AIADMK has in recent months been warming up to BJP and been supportive of the saffron party on a number of its ideological issues, including Uniform Civil Code and legislation against conversion.

The strained relationship of BJP with its ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu may come under further pressures following this move of BJP.

"The AIADMK has not approached us so far but we could discuss it with them," Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj told reporters after the 75-minute meeting where BJP president M Venkaiah Naidu was also present.

Ahead of the no-confidence motion, Vajpayee will address leaders and MPs of NDA partners and supporting parties in Parliament on August 18 morning to work out the strategy for the two-day debate and trial of strength scheduled for August 19.

While Defence Minister George Fernandes is expected to intervene in the debate, Vajpayee likely to do so on August 19.

Leader of the Opposition Sonia Gandhi is expected to reply to the motion.

PTI