Vote DMK for cordial Centre-State ties: CM

By Syed Muthahar

TIRUNELVELI, MAY 2. The DMK president, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, today called upon the people to vote the DMK back to power to ensure cordial Centre-State relationship in the overall interest of Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at series of election meetings at Alangulam, Ambasamudram, Cheranmahadevi, Tirunelveli and Palayamkottai towns on Wednesday, Mr. Karunanidhi said the present Government at the Centre was extending all help for implementation of development and welfare schemes and for the overall progress of Tamil Nadu. For the continuation of Central assistance and these projects, a good Government was a must here and the DMK alone could provide it.

Refuting the allegation by the AIADMK leader, Ms. Jayalalitha, that the DMK Government had not allocated adequate funds for boards set up for unorganised sector workers, Mr. Karunanidhi said Tamil Nadu was the first State to have a dozen welfare boards to cover 61 categories of workers. While Rs. 40 lakhs was allotted as subsidy for these boards during the last year, it was increased to Rs. 1 crore during the current year. Ms. Jayalalitha's statement did not contain even an iota of truth, the Chief Minister said. The performance of the State in various fronts was impressive in the last five years. The Government invested thousands of crores of rupees in the industrial sector. The State had achieved the highest-ever production in rice, sugarcane, oilseeds and coconuts, thanks to the innovative methods adopted by the Departments.

Mr. Karunanidhi said his Government proposed a hi-tech industrial park on an outlay of Rs. 8,000 crores at Nanguneri, in an effort to accelerate industrial activities in the southern districts. This park would help in solving unemployment prevailing in this district.

Referring to the Left attack on the DMK for joining hands with the BJP and its terming the NDA a communal front, Mr. Karunanidhi drew the attention of the CPI and CPI (M) to the call given by Mrs. Sonia Gandhi, president of Congress, a constituent of the AIADMK-led front, to the people of Kerala to vote for the United Democratic Front for freeing the State from the Leftist menace and protecting its secular image.

Referring to the criticism on inclusion of caste based parties in the NDA, Mr. Karunanidhi said this has only led to fostering of unity different castes. He warned that any support to the AIADMK would only lead the State again on the path of destruction.

The Union Commerce Minister, Mr. Murasoli Maran, said, thanks to the effective steps taken by the Karunandhi regime, South had gained importance in the national scene. The hi-tech park and the special economic zone at Nanguneri, the development of Tuticorin and the Colachal ports were hailed as major achievements of the DMK Government world over.

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Section  : State Elections
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