The fact that the number of cadres leaving All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Pattali Makkal Katchi and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and joining the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has indicated their faith in the Karunanidhi's government, according to M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister.
Mr. Stalin was addressing a meeting at Chidambaram near here on Thursday to highlight the four-year achievements of the government. He said that just before attending the meeting he admitted about 3,000 cadres from other political parties into the DMK.
In the last four years, the ruling DMK had won all the 11 by-elections thereby creating a record of sorts as no other party had achieved such a feat. Even when C.N.Annadurai, K.Kamaraj and M.G.Ramachandran were at the helm of affairs, the ruling parties had mixed fortunes in the bye-polls.
The DMK romping home in all the bye-elections was a proof of the people's recognition of the good works done by the Karunanidhi regime. Tracing the history of the DMK, Mr. Stalin said that the party was founded by Annadurai in 1949 with the primary objective of serving the people of the State, particularly the poor and the downtrodden.
The DMK first contested the elections in 1957 after conducting a referendum in which 99 per cent of the partymen endorsed the move. Nowadays parties were springing up instantaneously and the so-called leaders unabashedly proclaimed their ambition of capturing power and occupying the Chief Minister seat.
Mr. Stalin criticised former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for having undone all the good works done by the previous DMK governments, particularly cancelling the supply of eggs in the noon meal scheme and the marriage assistance.
He said that the scepticism of Ms. Jayalalithaa over the implementation of the Re 1-a-kg rice and distribution of free colour television schemes was proved wrong. Hence, she had resorted to agitations.
Referring to the frequent visits of Ms. Jayalalithaa to Kodanad, Mr. Stalin said though rest was essential for all, Mr. Karunanidhi was tirelessly serving the people. He was adept in not only implementing the schemes promised during elections but also in taking up new schemes such as the Kalaignar health insurance and housing schemes, Mr. Stalin added.
