The Hindu : New Delhi News : DMDK ready to forge alliance for Lok Sabha elections

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Monday, May 05, 2008
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DMDK ready to forge alliance for Lok Sabha elections

J. Venkatesan

Vijayakanth dares political parties in Tamil Nadu to face the polls individually

— Photo: V.Sudershan

HAILING THE LEADER: DMDK leader Vijayakanth being felicitated at a rally to mark the opening of his party office in New Delhi on Sunday.

New Delhi: Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Vijayakanth on Sunday indicated that his party was ready to forge an alliance for the forthcoming Lok Sabha poll with any political party that is ready to work for the welfare of the people.

Addressing a rally near Jantar Mantar here, he said, “I always believe in people’s front and not any alliance with a political party. If people want that I should have an alliance with a party which is ready to serve the people, I can consider forging an alliance.”

Mr. Vijayakanth who arrived here this morning drove straight to Karol Bagh, where he opened his party’s branch office. Later speaking at the rally, he challenged the political parties in Tamil Nadu to face the next Lok Sabha elections individually to ascertain their respective strength. “I am sure no one will dare to do that. Because all are power hungry.”

He criticised the Congress for not showing “real interest” in the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu, as the party felt that it could not come to power again there on its own. It was for this reason the Congress was not bothered about resolving the Cauvery, Palar, Mullaperiyar and Hogenakkal water disputes. On Union Minister T.R. Baalu’s alleged involvement in the ‘gas scandal,’ he said the Congress did not take any action against the Minister as it wanted to “appease” the DMK to continue in power at the Centre.

He had a dig at Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram for justifying the spiralling inflation in the country by pointing his finger at inflation in other countries. Instead of taking steps to contain the inflation and price rise, Mr. Chidambaram was always comparing international parameters, he said.

Expressing his anguish over the plight of a section of Tamil population in Delhi, he appealed to the Sheila Dikshit government to provide ration cards and adequate security to them.

He assured that his party would strive to get them basic amenities.

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