The Hindu : Follow DMK, Varadarajan tells PMK, MDMK

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 26, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Follow DMK, Varadarajan tells PMK, MDMK

By Our Staff Reporter

Thanjavur Dec. 25 . The Communist Party of India (Marxist) would like the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam to follow the DMK, quitting the National Democratic Alliance, N. Varadarajan, State secretary, told presspersons at Keelavenmani in Nagapattinam district today.

If they did, it would pave the way for forming a secular front. Parties such as the DMK, which followed Periyar and Annadurai, should not support communal forces, which were running the country. The DMK president, M. Karunanidhi, gave five reasons for withdrawing the Ministers from the Government. These were repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act, restoration of the right to strike by workers, deviation from the NDA agenda, raising the Ayodhya issue and whipping up passions and finally the State BJP treating the DMK as an enemy. The CPI (M) too had been raising these demands, he said.

The CPI (M)'s central committee is meeting in Hyderabad on January 28, 29, 30, and 31 where a decision on poll alliance would be taken.

He said the economic policy followed by the Centre was ruining public sector companies, which were sound and making profits.

In Tamil Nadu, unemployment was haunting the youth. Out of a population of six crores, 53 lakh youths registered in employment offices.

`Get water, save samba'

Mr. Varadarajan urged the State and Central Governments to get Cauvery water from Karnataka to save samba crop in delta districts.

``If steps are not taken in a week, farmers will be forced to launch an agitation.'' The Cauvery River Authority had not been convened by the Prime Minister, though the situation was precarious.

The Supreme Court had observed that if the Chief Ministers did not attend the CRA meeting, the Prime Minister had power to take a final decision.

Water problem had been persisting for the past three years and this year samba had been raised on eight lakh hectares in the delta, which required water till February-end.

``If the crop is lost this year, people will become poverty-stricken and the situation might lead to starvation.''

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