Supporting the case for an independent ‘Tamil Eelam', seeking United Nations recognition for its formation, working for the rehabilitation of Tamil refugees and demanding retrieval of Tamil areas now with other States, the election manifesto of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), released on Wednesday, is dominated by strong ingredients of Tamil nationalism.
Asked whether it would be possible to get back Tamil areas after the reorganisation of States, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said, “We have included the issue to further sharpen the debate on Tamil nationalism.” “The government should conduct a referendum in Tamil-speaking areas such as Devikulam, Peermedu, Munnar and Kolar Gold mines to ascertain the opinion of the people to include these areas with Tamil Nadu,” he said.
The party also demanded total prohibition in the State, saying the retail liquor shops run by the State government had deprived the livelihood of Dalits, fishermen and other downtrodden while plunging the youth into drinking habit. “We need not have agreement with our alliance partner on all issues,” he said when asked how he could expect the DMK government to close down liquor shops which were generating revenue for its welfare schemes.
