The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : "Alliance partners should steer clear of differences"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 16, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

"Alliance partners should steer clear of differences"

Special Correspondent

They should adopt a friendly approach, says Karunanidhi

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Thursday appealed to the constituents of the Democratic Progressive Alliance to strengthen the alliance and steer clear of differences in order to promote the welfare of the people and ensure a prosperous Tamil Nadu.

After launching the second phase of the distribution of 25 lakh colour television sets at a total cost of Rs. 685 crore at a function at Pammadhukulam in Tiruvallur district, 20 km from Chennai, he asked the alliance partners to adopt a friendly approach while criticising the Government's shortcomings, if any.

Though such criticism was needed for the Government to enhance its efficiency, he urged the allies not to be harsh. He appealed to them to fashion their criticism in such a way that it would not result in violence, anarchy or disturbance of peace.

"Reach out to people"

Besides activists of the ruling party, functionaries of the alliance partners should reach out to the people to highlight the Government's achievements and schemes to ensure that the fruits of Independence reached the poor.

Mr Karunanidhi also asked the partners to come out with alternative proposals, if any, to enhance the Government's performance.

He made it clear that the United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre had been helping the State Government in its welfare and development projects.

Claim denied

He denied the claim of some Opposition parties that the Government would become bankrupt if it continued to implement its schemes such as distribution of free colour television sets, redistribution of wasteland to landless farmers and supply of free gas stoves to the poor. It had been implementing its schemes in a focussed manner.

He flayed the Opposition for demanding his resignation and that of Local Administration Minister M. K. Stalin even on flimsy grounds such as blockage in the drainage system in villages.

So far, the Government had distributed 50,755 acres of developed wasteland to 52,000 farmers. Out of a target of three lakh free gas stoves and gas connections, the administration had provided 34,500 stoves and gas connections.

Investments

In the last eight months, it attracted investment of Rs. 3,685 crore of investments in the industrial sector. This would provide direct employment to 31,500 persons and indirect employment to 47,500 others. Seven memoranda of understanding had been signed. A fresh one would be signed with Mahindra and Mahindra in Chennai on February 26.

Congress Legislature Party leader D. Sudarsanam, Chief Secretary L. K. Tripathy and Fisheries Minister K.P. P. Samy spoke.

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