The DMK and the CPI (M) on Sunday threw their weight behind Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam leader Vijayakant, terming his suspension from the Assembly for ten days undemocratic.
Talking to reporters, DMK president M. Karunanidhi said the “repressive measures and atrocities” unleashed against Mr. Vijayakant were not only anti-democratic, but also an attempt aimed at demolishing democracy.
But he declined to respond to a question on whether the DMK would field a common candidate against the AIADMK in the by-election to the Sankarankoil Assembly Constituency as AIADMK general secretary and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa has asserted in that her party would retain the seat, even after the hike in bus fares and the price of milk.
Meanwhile, a resolution adopted by the CPI (M)'s State committee said the way the ruling AIADMK conducted itself in the Assembly had become a cause of concern for those who had faith in democracy.
Party's state secretary G. Ramakrishnan alleged that Leader of the Opposition Vijayakant was suspended from the House unilaterally and in a hurried manner without allowing minimum possible debate.
“This only shows the anti-democratic attitude of the AIADMK leadership,” he said.
Mr. Ramakrishnan said it was the opposition's duty to raise people's issues and point out shortcomings of the government and depriving the opposition of its rights by removing its leader from the Assembly was not acceptable.
He also called upon all democratic forces to come together and raise their voice to uphold democracy in the Assembly.
