Reiterating that the BJP-led Central government has no motive in seeking the unity of the AIADMK factions, BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan has made it clear that the Centre is not interested in thrusting a snap poll on the people of Tamil Nadu either. “But we cannot tolerate corruption and lapses in law and order,” she told in an interview to The Hindu o n Sunday. Excerpts:
AIADMK (PTA) leader O Panneerselvam has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told him that he wanted both AIADMK factions to work together. Is this because the Centre feels that it can control the AIADMK government?
The AIADMK has just completed one year in power and anyone who has faith in the Indian Constitution would not thrust a snap poll on the people of the State.
Mr. Modi has also made it clear that the Centre would be intolerant towards corruption. The BJP appreciates the constructive measures of the AIADMK government and I also welcomed the reforms announced by the State School Education Minister.
At the same time, we cannot turn a blind eye to the law and order problems.
There is a drug trafficking issue and in the Puzhal prison, there was an attempt to hoist the Pakistani flag.
How do you respond to the allegation that you are using Central agencies to keep the AIADMK government under your thumb?
The Centre is acting based on strong evidence. DMK leader M.K. Stalin has submitted a CD containing alleged evidence of ‘cash for vote’ and demanded the dismissal of the AIADMK government. But the Centre cannot act in a hurry.
Normally, a political party should be happy if the Opposition is divided. But the BJP seems to be interested in retaining the AIADMK intact…
The BJP believes in building its individual strength. We strongly feel that the DMK cannot be an alternative to the AIADMK. We place before the people of Tamil Nadu development-oriented and corruption-free government. The DMK cannot claim to possess both these virtues. In three months we will make the State turn towards us. We are launching a full-time programme on June 23 and a total of 12,500 BJP leaders and workers will leave their home turf and work in new areas.
