The Hindu : Response to conference overwhelming: DMK

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Feb 25, 2004

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Response to conference overwhelming: DMK

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, FEB. 24. The massive turnout at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) south zone conference at Virudhunagar has provided the Democratic Progressive Alliance a springboard to begin its Lok Sabha election campaign, Opposition leaders feel.

Asked for his comments, the DMK president, M.Karunanidhi, said here today that he was overwhelmed by the cadre response. He was yet to find words to describe the success of the conference. ``I am searching for words to describe (the conference). When I find the words, I will write in detail,'' he said. A sum of Rs. 1.01 crores was collected as donation and entry fee. The entry fee alone came up to Rs. 21 lakhs.

Mr.Karunanidhi said the people's response and the DPA surge had created panic in the ruling party. The alliance was like a cyclone brewing in the Bay. The AIADMK regime in the State and the National Democratic Alliance Government at the Centre announcing a slew of welfare measures was akin to the caution fishermen were given ahead of an impending cyclone. He was referring to extension of free power to all farmers and the lifting of the ban on animal sacrifice in temples by the AIADMK Government and the many schemes announced by the Centre in general, and the Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, in particular.

The cyclone would gather strength. As it crossed the shore, the ensuing gale would ``sweep away the lawless, autocratic, anti-democratic and anti-people Government,'' Mr. Karunanidhi said.

The DMK would release by the month-end its list of candidates for the 15 Lok Sabha seats it is contesting. The party wanted to wait for the Election Commission's poll notification before announcing the list. The selection process was completed.

While the joint campaign was kicked off from Virudhunagar, the DMK said it would begin its election campaign from Chennai, immediately after the announcement of candidates.

A modified tempo traveller is being readied for Mr. Karunanidhi's campaign. Asked about his tour, he said he would try and cover as many areas of the State as possible.

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