Karat’s remark sparks rift between DMK, CPI(M)

Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi N. Siva hits out at the Communist leader for stating that the Dravidian party had stagnated

Tiruchi Siva and Prakash Karat

CPI (M) leader Prakash Karat’s remark during the party’s 22nd State conference in Thoothukudi that the DMK had ‘stagnated’ has driven a wedge between the two parties, barely weeks after they began working together on issues concerning the people of the State.

Objecting to Mr. Karat’s remark, DMK Rajya Sabha MP Tiruchi N. Siva said, “It is shocking that Mr. Karat has made such a comment, especially after the party’s State secretary, G. Ramakrishnan, spoke about the protests organised jointly by the DMK and the CPI (M).”

‘Wishful thinking’

“It could have been wishful thinking by Mr. Karat against the stand of the State unit of the CPI (M), which has been working with the DMK on various issues affecting the people of Tamil Nadu,” he added.

“Mr. Karat can offer advice for strengthening his party in Tamil Nadu, and we do not have any objections [to that]. But we cannot accept his comments against the DMK, which has the support of the people of Tamil Nadu and a vibrant cadre following the leadership of

Kalaignar (Karunanidhi). Not only the DMK cadre, but also the people of Tamil Nadu will not accept Mr. Karat’s contention that the DMK has stagnated,” Mr. Siva said.