The Hindu : `Villupuram conference facing new hurdle'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 19, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

`Villupuram conference facing new hurdle'

By Our Special Correspondent

VILLUPURAM Sept. 18. The former Minister, K. Ponmudi, said today that the Villupuram conference, scheduled for September 19,20 and 21, was being held against all odds. Many hurdles were coming in the way and the recent one was the authorities' indifference to the plea for procuring sand.

Mr Ponmudi, who also happens to be the Villupuram district party secretary, told presspersons here he had sought permission from the Collector, K.Gopal, for procuring sand to be spread at the conference venue. The MP, Adhi Sankar, and S.S.Panneerselvam too had met the Collector to seek approval, but till today it did not materialise.

(A visit to the venue today revealed that the rain that lashed the town yesterday night had left patches of slush both inside and outside the pandal. As things stand, unless the ground is covered with sand it would pose problem for the partymen, if it rains during the event. Though the tin-sheet roof could provide the shelter, the seepage at ground level ought to be tackled.)

Mr Ponmudi alleged that as far as the denial of permission for the rally was concerned the Deputy Inspector General of Police, P.Kandasamy, and the Superintendent of Police, S.Nallasivam, had enacted a drama. They denied permission for the rally to be taken out either on the national highways, or through the commerical area or residential locality.

The police were not ready to suggest any alternative route, and ultimately their reply was a firm "no." When asked whether the organisers had sought police bandobust for the conference, Mr Ponmudi said though he had broached the subject even while submitting the petition, it was to be seen whether they would oblige or not.

Mr Ponmudi further said a rally would be taken out inside the venue on Friday afternoon, and it would be witnessed by the party president, M. Karunanidhi, and the deputy general secretary, M.K.Stalin, from a vantage point. About one lakh party men and members of the frontal organisations would participate in the rally. Soon after the rally, fireworks display would be held.

He said the total turnout of partypersons from all over the State might touch five lakhs, and the entry fee (it is termed donation) had been fixed at Rs 20 for man, and Rs 10 for woman. Mr. Ponmudi said that the kalyana mandapams in the town had been booked for providing accommodation to the partymen.

A fort-like structure flanked by the statues of Thiruvalluvar and Kannagi, and artificial waterfalls have been erected at the entrance. The entire town is wearing a festive look, with huge banners and party adorning the roads.

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