Tamil Nadu   

MDMK does not want to be pushed out of alliance

V. Jayanth

Serious thinking. — File photo: K.V. Srinivasan

CHENNAI : Within an hour of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's chief M. Karunanidhi's press conference on Saturday, the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko issued a statement expressing regret over his party functionary's speech. "I am sorry for the views that have hurt Doctor Kalaignar. Nanjil Sampath will be asked to explain," he said in a brief release. Mr. Vaiko distanced himself from some of the views expressed by party functionaries as published in a weekly and clarified they were not the official views of the MDMK.

Though Mr. Vaiko could not be reached for his comments, party sources insist that no decision has been taken on the electoral alliance or seat sharing. "Mr. Vaiko has conveyed the offer of the DMK. Our's is a democratic party and the general secretary will have the widest possible consultations before arriving at a decision. We can only appeal to DMK leaders not to say or do anything that will push us out of the Democratic Progressive Alliance," a senior leader noted.

Pressed further, he said there was a difference of opinion in the party. Some of the district units expressed reservations on "the treatment meted out by a section of the DMK and said there was a feeling of not being wanted." There was also the credibility question or seeking an alliance with the ruling AIADMK. In such a Catch 22 situation, Mr. Vaiko, he said, was feeling the pulse of the cadres and talking to all party functionaries to evolve a consensus. Only when that consensus was reached within the party forum would a decision on seat sharing be considered, the party senior explained.

What was obvious was that Mr. Vaiko was under tremendous pressure from within the party and without, but he was not going to rush into a decision. Those in his party who still wanted to remain with the DPA, urged the DMK to "understand and appreciate" the situation and help Mr. Vaiko, instead of provoking the cadres further.

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