Karunanidhi asks party to extend full support to agitation
In further embarrassment to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), its southern partner, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), jumped on the Opposition bandwagon on Tuesday and voiced support to the general strike planned for September 20 against the hike in diesel price, the decision to allow foreign direct investment in multi-brand retail and the restriction on subsidised domestic LPG cylinders.
The DMK’s decision came just as the Trinamool Congress announced its decision to quit the UPA.
In a statement here, DMK president M. Karunanidhi called upon the party’s trade union wing, the Labour Progressive Front, to extend full cooperation to make the national strike a success.
He also wanted the party’s various units to gear themselves for effective participation in the strike.
Mr. Karunanidhi said the Centre’s announcements had come at a time when the poor, farmers and agricultural labourers in Tamil Nadu were reeling under the burden caused by the steep hike in bus fare, milk price and electricity tariff effected by the AIADMK government.
Rajapaksa visit
Earlier in the day, the DMK chief expressed his vociferous opposition to the visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa. His sudden decision to join the national strike gave some indication of the widening gap between the Congress and its ally in Tamil Nadu.
On May 30, participating in a demonstration against a petrol price hike, Mr. Karunanidhi said his party was bitter but wanted to continue in the UPA as it did not want to create a crisis at the time of the Presidential election.
Coalition ministry should always consult every issue to get aprovel from partner political party
congress should not think to take independent decisions
How horrid! The Cabinet Ministers all have collective responsibility
towards every cabinet decision, whether or not they were present at the
meeting and whether or not they voiced any opposition to it. DMK,
Trinamool and the like have no respect for the Constitutional setup, and
would do anything to get some votes. I wonder when coalition Governments
will stop in India and any one party would get majority by itself.
What are they protesting against is their own government, This is called
DMK cheating the people
DMK joining the bandh is fooling the public by being in the Government it should support the policies of the government or quit.
the public of TN will not get caried away
Karunanidhi wants to have his cake and eat it too. Run with the rabbit and hunt with the hound. If he feels stongly about the issue, DMK should resign from UPA like Didi of WB is contemplating. Have a principled stand MK.
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