Opinion - Interviews   

`Pragmatism, not opportunism'

Vaiko

The firebrand politician and orator from Kallingipatti, in southern Tamil Nadu, has raised another storm this time by shifting his alliance from the DMK to the AIADMK. In this interview with S. Vijay Kumar, in Karur recently, Vaiko not only justifies his alliance with Ms. Jayalalithaa, but is confident that the AIADMK will win an absolute majority in the May 8 Assembly elections. Excerpts from the interview:

There is criticism from DMK quarters to the effect that you have become an opportunist?

The MDMK was born out of sacrifice of the hard-core rank and file in the DMK. Twelve years ago, when I was charged with a murder conspiracy, lakhs of DMK cadres revolted against the high command to protect me. The same cadres have now realised that our party will be sabotaged and ditched by a determined hidden agenda of the DMK. They were unequivocal that we should align with the AIADMK. In 1976, hundreds of DMK cadres were detained under MISA and two even lost their lives. In less than three years, the DMK forged an alliance with the Congress. The DMK sent feelers to the Congress while enjoying the fruits of Ministry in the Vajpayee Government. This is the worst form of opportunism and treachery. Our stand is totally justified. We have aligned with the AIADMK not for selfish interests. This is pragmatism, not opportunism.

Have you compromised on your ideology by aligning with the AIADMK?

There is no compromise on our ideology. The alliance is only an understanding to achieve a common goal in the larger interests of the State.

But the AIADMK has differences on implementation of the Sethusamudram project?

We have included the implementation of the Sethusamudram project in our election manifesto. While Anna and Kamaraj raised their voice for the Sethusamudram project, it was only MGR who passed a resolution in the Assembly. The Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, made an effective speech in the Rajya Sabha for carrying out the project. Of course, she is concerned about the environmental aspects and the welfare of fishermen. It is important that the interests of fishermen are protected. Environmental issues can be discussed and sorted out. Mr. Karunanidhi cannot claim any credit for the Sethusamudram project. Although he was Chief Minister for four terms, he never took up the demand with the then Prime Ministers.

And on the linking of rivers project?

I have been advocating the importance of the linking of rivers scheme as a panacea for the country. Excepting the DMK, all parties spoke in favour of the Bill [on linking rivers] introduced by me in the Lok Sabha. It was because of my persuasion that the project was included in the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government. Ms. Jayalalithaa is very emphatic about the implementation of the project. We will work together.

You and eight other MDMK members were detained under POTA. Have you demanded your release from the case?

POTA was launched by the BJP Government. It was a mistake that we continued in the Ministry even after the arrest and detention. I came out on bail and not because of any help from Mr. Karunanidhi. I have not made any request [relating to], or discussed, the POTA case with the Chief Minister. Though I made vehement attacks politically against Ms. Jayalalithaa, she has never used harsh words against me.

What will be the MDMK's nature of support after the elections? Will any party get absolute majority?

I am of the firm opinion that the AIADMK will get an absolute majority and form the government. In case that does not happen, we will support them without taking part in the Ministry. There will be no room for horse-trading. The MDMK will stoutly defend Ms. Jayalalithaa's party and her Government with all its might.

How is your equation with Ms. Jayalalithaa?

In 1984-85, we were in the Rajya Sabha sharing the same bench. We were very friendly and she used to appreciate my work in Parliament. During 1998 also, we were allies. She has always been cordial and affectionate to me. She has the patience to listen to others' views.

Mr. Karunanidhi has denied your charge that the DMK included four MDMK MPs in its list to get more berths in the Cabinet.

This is a serious charge I have made against Mr. Karunanidhi. After prolonged silence, he has denied it. But, no denial has come from New Delhi.

Do you believe there are no permanent friends or foes in politics?

Yes, I do. There are no permanent enemies but only permanent interests.

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`Pragmatism, not opportunism'

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