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Congress sees signs of DMK quitting NDA

By Our Special Correspondent

Chennai Sept. 22. The State Congress today saw "indications" of the DMK quitting the National Democratic Alliance in its decision to launch a "fill-the-jail" agitation demanding repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

The DMK's resolution at its recent conference in Villupuram on staging a stir against the POTA "deserved keen attention," the State Congress president, S. Balakrishnan, told the media here. "It is an indication that the DMK is preparing to quit the NDA." For, a struggle against the POTA would mean a protest against the ruling BJP at the Centre, which brought in the anti-terrorism law.

He, however, said he would reserve further comments on the resolution till the BJP came up with its response to the DMK protest plans. For, he said, he could not rule out a patch-up between the two parties now.

Asked about inner-party squabbles, Mr. Balakrishnan denied there was any factional fighting. "It is only a squabble among individuals and not a fight within the Congress."

The membership drive had gained momentum after the appointment of convenors for all district units and as many as 50 out of 54 districts had collected the membership forms.

On whether he would initiate action against dissident district presidents refusing to take up the membership drive, Mr. Balakrishnan said he had faith that ``they would come round.'' "We may have differences among ourselves, but all of us accept Sonia Gandhi's leadership. So, would sort out our differences.''

Asked about district Congress presidents backing the AICC general secretary, Vasan, despatching telegrams to the party leadership, opposing the appointment of convenors for speeding up the membership drive, Mr. Balakrishnan said he was not aware of it.

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