RAISING ISSUES: AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa addressing activists of the Democratic People's Alliance at a protest demonstration in Chennai on Saturday. — Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: Leaders of the Democratic People's Alliance including general secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Jayalalithaa, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Vaiko and Dalit Panthers of India chief Thol. Thirumavalavan on Saturday, accused the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Government of failing to prevent the spread of Chikungunya in the State.

Addressing the activists of the alliance partners who participated in a demonstration to protest the "indifference" of the Government on the issue, they called upon the people to "teach a fitting lesson" to the ruling party in the coming by-election for the Madurai Central Assembly seat and the local body poll.

Ms. Jayalalithaa said the cooperation and unity shown by them on the platform should continue for the Assembly by-election and the civic poll. "This is my wish and I am quite confident that this will happen," she added. Though the DMK Government had been speaking of its achievements during its first 100 days in office, lakhs of people were afflicted by Chikungunya, which had claimed 155 lives. When the AIADMK Members raised the issue in the Assembly, the Health Minister denied that there was no death caused by the disease, she said, adding that the Government's attitude only "betrayed its lack of concern to the people's welfare." Only after the AIADMK-led alliance announced its protest programme on the issue, the Government had publicised a public awareness initiative. Contrary to the Government's claim, the disease had not been brought under control, she said.

Mr. Vaiko said as many as 35 lakh people including two lakh persons in Chennai were affected by Chikungunya in the State. Proper treatment was not given at the Government hospitals and the primary health centres.

Mr. Thirumavalavan said the Government should have appointed adequate health workers as a preventive measure. Ms. Jayalalithaa, along with other leaders and activists of the alliance, raised slogans condemning the DMK Government and calling for its resignation for its failure to resort to preventive measures.

Among others, leaders of the Republican Party of India, Tamil Maanila Muslim League, Indian National League, All India Moovendar Munnani Kazhagam, All India Moovendar Munnetra Kazhagam and Social Justice Party addressed the protest meeting.

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