Talks with DMK have begun: Ramadoss

By V. Venkatasubramanian

MAYILADUTHURAI, SEPT. 13. Talks have begun for forging an alliance with the DMK-led front for the local bodies elections, Dr. S. Ramadoss, PMK founder-president, told reporters here today.

On Tuesday, the former Ministers, Mr. Durai Murugan and Mr. K. Ponmudi, met him in Chennai and discussed the possibilities of establishing the alliance. ``I have explained to them about our position.''

Dr.Ramadoss gave a positive reply when he was asked whether the meeting could be construed as initiation of the alliance.

Asked whether it would be possible for him to coexist with the PT and the DPI, he said there was no hesitation on his part in being united with them. ``We did not want to oppose or antagonise anyone who forms part of the front rival to the AIADMK.

Actually the Puthiya Tamizhagam and the Dalit Panthers of India are supposed to be with us since the PMK is fighting for the cause of oppressed people'', he added.

Ruling out the possibility of PMK leading a third front for the civic elections, Dr.Ramadoss said his party would go it alone if the alliance with the DMK-led front failed to click. ``If we happen to contest independently, we will not hesitate to field candidates against the BJP. In such eventuality, however, derogatory or critical statements will not be made against BJP and our canvassing will be confined to soliciting votes''.

Earlier, Dr.Ramadoss led a demonstration to condemn the State Government for ``not initiating steps'' at the appropriate time for getting water from Karnataka. The Chief Minister should have met the Prime Minister and the Karnataka Chief Minister personally to get the water released as per the interim award of the tribunal.

Our Chennai Special Correspondent reports:

The PMK will accept applications to contest the local bodies polls from September 14 to 18. They can be submitted to the party's office in each district, says a PMK release. A committee will peruse the applications and decide on the contestants.

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