Ramadoss will meet Karunanidhi soon

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUNELVELI, SEPT. 15. The PMK founder- president, Dr. S. Ramadoss, today said, he would meet the DMK supremo, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, on forging an alliance for the local bodies elections during the second round of talks shortly.

Speaking to presspersons here, he said that during first round held a few days ago delegations of the BJP and the DMK met him separately.

Dr. Ramadoss said ``the PMK prefers to be part of the National Democratic Alliance along with the Dalit Panthers of India and the Puthiya Tamizhagam. If need arises we will speak to the leaders of these parties''. The PMK would also welcome the MDMK or any other party joining the NDA.

Referring to the State Government decision to rake up Sarkaria Commission report, Dr. Ramadoss said this only showed the Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa's frustration. Nothing would come out of the cases filed against the former Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, which were withdrawn by the Centre saying there was no base. Now Ms. Jayalalitha, by reviving this issue, was trying to divert the attention of the general public from Government's ``failure'' to tackle the drinking water crisis, the Cauvery dispute and the drought problem.

On the Cauvery dispute, Dr. Ramadoss came down heavily on the State Government for its failure to save the standing kuruvai crop in the delta. More than 75 per cent of the crop had already withered, he said. The Chief Minister should have given top priority to the Cauvery issue from the commencement of the crop season. She should initiate at least now steps to ensure adequate water for the samba season.

Asked about the performance of the AIADMK regime, Dr. Ramadoss said it was `zero'. Except for waiver of interest on the farm loans and removal of curbs on inter-State rice movement, the Government had done nothing worthwhile.

Asked about the PMK's chances of finding a berth in the Vajpayee Cabinet, Dr. Ramadoss said his party did not bring any pressure on the Prime Minister and left it to his discretion. It was hopeful of the PMK men being given representation during the next Cabinet expansion.

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Section  : Southern States
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