37,000 acres of farmlands grabbed to set up SEZs: CPI

C. Mahendran (left), State Deputy Secretary, Communist Party of India addressing at an election campaign meeting near the Denkanikottai Bus stand in Krishnagiri district on Sunday. T. Lenin (right), State Secretariat Member is also seen in the picture. Photo: N. Bashkaran.

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has acquired 37,000 acres of agriculture land from the farmers at throwaway prices, C. Mahendran, state deputy secretary, Communist Party of India, said here on Sunday.

He also alleged that the DMK ministers acted as middlemen in acquiring the agricultural lands and prospered by receiving commission.

Speaking at an election meeting here, Mr. Mahendran accused the DMK-Congress alliance of bribing the voters to secure votes. They were trying to replicate the ‘Tirumangalam formula' in this election, but the Election Commission of India (ECI) prevented the distribution of money. People should think twice before casting their votes and remember the leaders who lost their lives during the agitation for Independence, he said.

The left parties have joined hands with the AIADMK to oust the corrupt DMK, he asserted. K. Ramakrishna, president, Andhra Pradesh Farmers Association and former MLA also spoke supporting the CPI candidate Mr. T. Ramachandran, contesting from Thalli constituency. T. Lenin, state secretariat member, Communist Party of India, also spoke.