A diversionary tactic, says DMK chief

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, NOV. 12. The DMK president, Mr.M.Karunanidhi, today contended that the former Chief Minister, Ms.Jayalalithaa, was trying to divert people's attention from the ``failure'' of the Government by propping up a non-issue of his support to terrorism.

He suggested that Ms.Jayalalithaa concentrate on advising her Ministers to solve the transport workers' problem.

Replying to the charges levelled by her, he said in a statement here that he had explained in detail his party's stand on terrorism, the LTTE and on the various pro-freedom outfits in Tamil Nadu. But raking up this issue was not enough to ``bury'' the problems of government employees who had been demanding 20 per cent bonus.

Mr.Karunanidhi pointed out that when the DMK Government paid 20 per cent bonus last year, the AIADMK labour union went on strike demanding 25 per cent. But the same union was now working against the strike.

Return to work:DMK

Meanwhile, the DK president, Mr.K.Veeramani appealed to the striking transport workers to rejoin duty in the public interest.

In a statement here, he pointed out that the State coffers were empty and the six-month-old AIADMK Government was not in a position to accept their demands. Despite ``knocking at all doors'' the Government could not get the required finances to fulfil the demand, he said. Mr.Veeramani, who outlined the duties of an ally, requested the workers to postpone their demands till Pongal.

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Section  : Southern States
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