CHENNAI: Dravida Munnetra Kazhgam president and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said on Sunday that his party was keen to uphold "alliance dharma," and cited the disciplinary action taken against 20 DMK functionaries even before the results of Saturday's elections were out.

Joining issue with Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss on charges of cross-voting in elections for heads of local bodies, Mr Karunanidhi, in a seven-page statement, acknowledged that as in every other party, "a few" DMK members might have committed mistakes and disobeyed directives. Disciplinary action was promptly initiated against them. The list included three MLAs.

Referring to the PMK's contention that some of its nominees lost because of the DMK, the Chief Minister said the DMK too had suffered due to `rebel' candidates.

In the Karaikudi municipality, Durai. Ganesan was the DMK candidate. But, S. Muthuthurai, a rebel, contested and won the chairmanship.

Similarly, another rebel candidate, supported by DMK MLA K.P. Ramasamy, became chairman of the Namagiripettai town panchayat, outsmarting the official nominee. Action had been initiated against the MLA who had also fielded his wife against the PMK's official candidate in the election for the chairmanship of Namagiripettai panchayat union (in Namakkal district).

Responding to Dr. Ramadoss' strong statement, Mr Karunanidhi referred to the defeat of the DMK's nominee for the chairmanship of Kancheepuram municipality. Though the PMK was said to be responsible, he did not like to accuse the party.

PMK member Sridhar decided to contest for the Kancheepuram panchayat union chairmanship, though the DMK's Kumar was in the fray. Despite DMK deputy general secretary M.K. Stalin pointing it out to PMK leader A.K. Moorthy, Mr. Sridhar contested the election, which ended in a dispute. In several other local bodies in Kancheepuram district, the DMK had ensured the victory of the PMK candidates.

In Sevilimedu town panchayat, the PMK candidate contested against the Communist Party of India nominee.

The seat had been allotted to the CPI as per the understanding among constituents of the Democratic Progressive Alliance.

Mr. Karunanidhi mentioned how the DMK had ensured the victory of the PMK candidates in several local bodies in Villupuram.

Deputy Mayor post

When the PMK represented, seeking the deputy mayor post in corporations, the DMK had suggested that the PMK field a Scheduled Caste candidate for the post in Chennai. Though the DMK had announced its candidate, it was willing to withdraw the nominee and concede the PMK's demand.

In a massive democratic exercise, when a few committed mistakes, irrespective of their party affiliation, steps should be taken to sort out their differences through talks, instead of rushing to the Press.

"Not to find fault"

"Even this explanation is given to dispel any efforts for creating discord between the parties following the publication of news reports in the Press. This is not to find fault with other parties," Mr Karunanidhi said.

It was a fact that every party was affected because of mistakes committed by lower-level members of constituents of the alliance.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail