The Hindu : DPI, PT will work together in Dalit interests

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 03, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

DPI, PT will work together in Dalit interests

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, FEB. 2. The Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) and the Puthiya Tamizhagam (PT) decided to cooperate with each other in both "social and political arenas from today" in the interests of Dalits and weaker sections.

Both parties made it clear that they had not come together with an eye on Dalit votes for the Lok Sabha poll. The cooperation would go beyond the elections and the parties would join hands in fighting social evils that afflicted the weaker sections.

"This coming together is a significant first step," the PT president, K.Krishnasamy, told a press conference here. Recognition on both social and political platforms was important for the Dalits and the leaders would work towards this goal.

Dr.Krishnasamy and the DPI general secretary, Thol.Tirumavalavan, said they had remained with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in times of its need, even though some of the party's present allies deserted it. But the DMK did not accord the Dalit parties the importance they deserved.

Referring to the DMK's denial of seats to both Dalit parties, Dr.Krishnasamy said it behaved like an individual biding his time to spring a surprise on an enemy. Both he and Mr.Tirumavalavan accused the DMK leadership of being anti-Dalit.

The DPI and PT leaders will meet again on February 10 to chalk out a minimum programme of action. After the DMK had expressed its inability to accommodate the Dalit parties, Mr.Tirumavalavan initiated steps to form a "true secular front".

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