The high-level committee of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will decide on the inclusion of the Pattali Makkal Katchi into its alliance, said Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi here on Saturday.
Answering a question on the ongoing debate over the parties joining hands again, Mr. Karunanidhi said the panel would meet on Sunday. “I am not sure what decision the meeting will take.”
Asked about the performance of M.K. Stalin, who is completing one year as Deputy Chief Minister, Mr. Karunanidhi said he had to say that he was satisfied even if his son's performance was unsatisfactory. But, Mr. Stalin's functioning was extremely satisfying. Adding strength to the government, he was acting as a bridge to the Opposition.
On Maoist violence
On Maoists targeting civilians, Mr. Karunanidhi said the Maoist ideology might be high-thinking but the methods pursued by them at present were in complete contradiction to human values. Even the day's papers had carried pictures of those killed in the train crash. A tragic picture showed the passengers carrying the body of a girl child. “Children and Maoists can't have differences of opinion.”
Yet a new method — actually a reinvention of an old method — was being executed, without any social concern, unmindful of the death of men, women and children, with the sole purpose of achieving their objectives. This was not a healthy trend, Mr. Karunanidhi said.
Saying that he shared socialist ideals, he said the leaders of such movements should ponder whether they were using the right methods. “I have been saying this for a long time,” he said, and expressed hope that the Maoist leaders would listen and respect his voice for humanity from a corner of India.
Mr. Karunanidhi promised to write in detail on Maoist ideology and strategy in his party organ in a few days.
