Vijayakanth-Karunanidhi meeting heralds a new beginning

Vijayakanth met leaders of opposition in the state, heralding a new beginning for opposition unity against the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijayakanth on Sunday met leaders of opposition in the state, heralding a new beginning for opposition unity against the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu.

The objective of the meeting, he said, was to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to present Tamil Nadu's case on Mekedatu Dam issue, the Land Acquisition Bill, the killing of 20 woodcutters from Tamil Nadu in Andhra Pradesh, Mullaperiyar Dam issue and the frequent attack on Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy.

After meeting Mr. Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence, Mr. Vijayakanth said the DMK leader was keen on working together with his party on people's issues and agreed to send representatives. He said Union Minister Pon. Radhakrishnan facilitated the meeting.

Later DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin said his party’s leader in the Rajya Sabha Kanimozhi and another MP Tiruchi N. Siva would accompany Mr. Vijayakanth during his meeting with Mr. Modi on Monday. The meeting will be take place at Parliament House at 12.30 on Monday.

When asked whether the co-ordination on these issues would move to the next stage politically, Mr. Stalin said the DMK was always prepared to work with political parties on issues concerning the people of Tamil Nadu. He, however, clarified that the question on alliance did not figure during the meeting.

Mr. Vijayakanth said the Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam met Mr. Modi to fulfil his selfish goals while he and other leaders were going to meet him for a common cause.

Mr. Stalin said Mr. Karunanidhi appreciated the DMDK's leaders effort to present Tamil Nadu’s problems to the Prime Minister.

To a question on Tamil Nadu government’s failure to hold an all party meeting on important issues, Mr Stalin said “the benami government” in the state was not functioning at all.

Mr. Vijayakant has also approached CPI(M) state secretary G, Ramakrishnan in connection with his decision to meet the Prime Minister, but the party was not able to make any commitment as the state committee meeting was not yet over.