All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) president R. Sarathkumar, whose party won two seats as part of the AIADMK front in the Assembly elections, said on Saturday that the main reason for the defeat of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) was the manner in which the administration was run, marked by corruption and multiple centres of power.
“A major reason was corruption, the way in which the administration was run and one family tried to influence the working of government,” Mr. Sarathkumar told reporters at his Kottivakkam residence. “There were too many centres of power, and the government machinery came to a grinding halt as a result.”
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
It was after looking at the adverse effect that these multiple centres of power were having on governance that “the people decided that this government should go, despite the use of money, media and muscle power,” said Mr. Sarathkumar, who won on the AIADMK's ‘Two Leaves' symbol from Tenkasi constituency. His party vice-president A. Narayanan won the Nanguneri seat.
The actor-politician said that the film industry was relieved by the regime change.
“There will now be no hindrance to the free production of films. People will get back their freedom to practise their vocation.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Separate identity
Asked if his party would seek a separate identity in the Assembly, he said he would discuss this with alliance leader and AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa.
Mr. Sarathkumar said that he and Mr. Narayanan would focus on the development of their constituencies first, and then on issues concerning the people of the State in general.
Sri Lankan Tamils
His party would also stand by the AIADMK in its efforts to take up the issue of the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils.