CHENNAI: Dalit Panthers of India General Secretary Thol.Thirumavalavan on Monday released the party's manifesto for the May 8 Assembly elections.

He introduced the party candidates for Pondicherry — Balu alias Vaidyanathan, who will seek election from Nadungadu, and Pavanan, who will contest from Yembalam .

Mr. Thirumavalavan told reporters here that the DPI, which is part of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led Democratic People's Alliance, would urge the electorate to defeat the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) which had "shunned the Dalits."

He accused the DMK of conspiring against "social harmony" by driving a wedge between the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and his party.

The DPI would expose the attempts of the DMK to "ignore Tamil development and sideline Tamils."

The DMK-led DPA should not be allowed to come to power, as the Government formed by its constituents would start "plundering the State." Mr. Thirumavalavan charged the DMK with trying to install DMK deputy general secretary M.K. Stalin as "Chief Minister through the backdoor."

The DPI entered the arena of electoral politics in 1999 only with a view to empower the oppressed sections. He commended the AIADMK general secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for earmarking nine seats for the DPI in the alliance while the DMK wanted his party to work for the DPA's success without demanding any constituency. Ms. Jayalalithaa was not opposed to the rights of the Eelam Tamils, he said, adding that this became clear from the fact that she had admitted the DPI and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam into the DPF.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said that his party would highlight issues such as human rights, sincere implementation of the Special Component Plan and Tribal Sub-Plan, holding successful elections in the panchayats reserved for the Dalits — Pappapatti and Keeripatti, protection of the welfare of the Dalit Christian converts and reservation for Muslims.

Self-help groups

To a query, he said the party was opposed to politicising women self-help groups. Efforts must be made to entrust the management of the local administration such as drinking water supply, health and sanitation to these groups.

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