We will take a decision on PMK entry into NDA: Karunanidhi

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, AUG. 6. A decision on the entry of the PMK into the State NDA will be taken by the DMK, its president, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, said today. ``I cannot say anything more'' (on what decision will be taken).

The PMK leader, Dr. S. Ramadoss, had not spoken to him so far on his party joining the DMK-led front. ``He (Dr.Ramadoss) himself has said his party will discuss with us at an appropriate time,'' he told presspersons here.

While refusing to enter into a debate on the State Government's letter expressing its inability to relieve the former DGP, Dr. R. Rajagopalan, Mr. Karunanidhi, however, said it should have relieved him. ``When the State Government asked for the services of Mr. K. Vijayakumar (deputed to the BSF) and Mr. P. Shankar, the Union Government accepted this plea. Likewise, when the Union Government sought the services of specific officers, the State Government should also send them.

The State Government sought to ``fool'' people taking the stance that one specific officer was absolutely essential for training. ``It is not as if everyone does not know who will be appointed to a training post,'' he said

Mr. Karunanidhi, who was discharged from hospital on Sunday, said pain in the upper arm had eased to a great extent. It would take another 10 days for the pain to subside completely. Answering another question, Mr. Karunanidhi said he stated earlier that he had trouble with his upper-arm even during the State elections. He had been undergoing treatment and the police, ``at the instigation of Ms.Jayalalithaa,'' again hurt him in the same spot.

Later addressing presspersons, the Puthiya Thamizhagam leader, Dr. K. Krishnasamy, emphasised the need for a ``probation period'' for parties coming back into the NDA fold.

Referring to the entry of the PMK into the NDA alliance in the State, he said the record of that party over the past three years indicated that it had only electoral gains in mind while striking alliances. If the PMK was as strong as it claimed to be, it should come back after proving so, either in the coming local bodies elections or the next general elections, Dr. Krishnasamy said.

DPI's continuance

Our Staff Reporter reports from Madurai:

The DPI's continuance in the DMK alliance for local bodies elections is subject to the decision of Mr. Karunanidhi on the PMK entry. ``Even in the event of the PMK aligning with the NDA at the Centre, the DMK's view would matter,'' the DPI State convener, Mr. R. Tirumavalavan, said today.

Speaking to presspersons here, Mr.Tirumavalavan said ``a party can be unstable, but never be unreliable''. He said the PMK leadership was not trustworthy.

On the transfer of police officials to the Centre, he said the behaviour of the State Government was against the protection of its rights. The Centre was empowered to allot and withdraw the services of IPS officers in accordance with the requirements.

The DPI would demand a separate budget for Dalits in the budget session of the Assembly. The schemes meant for their development never reached the needy and the schools run by the Adi-Dravidar Welfare Department suffered without basic infrastructure.

The Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa, should implement GO 44 as already assured in the Assembly. An uneasy calm was prevailing in Melavalavu after the sensational judgement and the police should provide security to those who were witnesses in the case.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : SHRC cannot probe Ramesh death: respondent
Next     : Jayalalithaa calls on Joshi, Moopanar