: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has condoled the death of State Environment Minister, M. Mariyam Pichai, in a road accident on Monday.
Though he was in the rival camp, Mariyam Pichai maintained close rapport with the people irrespective of political, caste, religious affiliations, a resolution adopted at the district executive committee meeting of the party held here on Wednesday stated. The resolution expressed the party's deep condolences to the bereaved family members.
It urged the state government to take effective action to immediately bring to book those responsible for the incident.
K. N. Nehru, former Minister and district secretary of the party, who presided over the meeting, said that DMK president M. Karunanidhi, on learning about the tragedy, advised him to pay last respects to Mariyam Pichai on behalf of the district unit of the DMK. However, in the wake of the uneasy situation that prevailed in the area, he could not pay homage.
Mr. Nehru said it had become a usual affair for a section to link the DMK with any unsavoury incident.
Another resolution stated that DMK flagmasts and plaques were damaged after the death of Mr. Pichai and condemned the police for remaining a silent spectator.
