The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijayakant has said his party workers will have the final say in forming the alliance for the coming Assembly elections.
Addressing a public meeting here, Mr. Vijayakant denied reports that DMDK had settled on an alliance with a party for 30 to 40 Assembly seats. “I have not formed the party to make a life for myself, but to work for the benefit of the people. I will form an alliance only after consulting you [the workers],” he said. He criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government for failing to provide job opportunities to 20 lakh people.
“The ruling party thinks that distribution of free gas stoves, television sets and other schemes are an achievement,” he said.
The Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, has not heeded the pleas to reduce the tax on petroleum products which was still higher than most States, Mr. Vijayakant said.
The actor-turned-politician described the Government's announcement on free distribution of pumpsets to farmers and Kalaignar housing scheme towards the end of his regime as an attempt to get votes in the general election.
Mr. Vijayakant said both the DMK and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had failed to eradicate poverty and corruption in the State.
