CHENNAI: In a characteristically satirical and humour-filled assessment of the Tamil Nadu political situation, Thuglak editor Cho S. Ramaswamy made it plain that he was backing the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the coming State Assembly elections, at a public meeting to mark the 36th anniversary of the Tamil weekly.

The AIADMK's track record in office was marred by an absence of transparency on key issues, and openly populist measures with implications on the State's finances, as well as misuse of powers such as the Goondas Act, he said. But voters must consider the Jayalalitha Government's deft handling of the post-tsunami situation, flood relief measures, and for creating conditions for economic growth through the rule of law and by ensuring a generally peaceful atmosphere, Mr. Ramaswamy said. He also commended the Chief Minister for her strong stand against terrorism and said the State could not afford to relax its vigilance against the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's "non-cooperation" in leveraging its position in the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre to help the State Government in getting Central financial assistance in the aftermath of the recent floods should count with the voters, he predicted. He acknowledged the seven-party opposition Democratic Progressive Alliance as an arithmetically strong combination but expressed doubts about its ability to remain united for the coming elections.

The Thuglak public meeting is an annual event that gives the Tamil weekly's readers an opportunity to interact directly with its editor and raise questions about the publication's political positions, or on any current affairs issues.

Praises The Hindu

Mr. Ramaswamy told an overflowing Narada Gana Sabha on Saturday that he admired The Hindu for its decision to appoint a Readers' Editor. "For a paper of that size and stature, to acknowledge its readers in this manner is truly praiseworthy," he said.

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