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Monday, Jan 21, 2008
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“Time to iron out differences”

Special Correspondent

CPI urges DMK to firm up alliance of secular parties

— Photo: R. Ragu

HAVING A WORD: CPI leaders D. Raja (right) and A.B. Bardhan at a press conference in Chennai on Sunday.

CHENNAI: It is imperative for the constituents of the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) in Tamil Nadu to iron out their minor differences among them and maintain their unity, as there is a possibility of communal forces raising their heads in the State, said Communist Party of India general secretary A.B. Bardhan here on Sunday.

Addressing mediapersons, Mr. Bardhan said the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had a bounden duty to firm up the existing alliance of secular parties, as there were signs of the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam moving towards the Bharatiya Janata Party. The secular unity in the State should not be disturbed by minor differences among the DPA partners, he said.

Cautioning the people that the “danger of communal forces” should not be underestimated, Mr. Bardhan said the recent attack on minority institutions in Orissa only reminded their “evil designs.” The only way to fight the communal forces was to ensure Left unity for which the CPI and the CPI(M) were working. These two parties would have more interactions to resolve the minor differences. The party would go for State-specific alliances to keep away communal forces.

Opposing the Centre’s move to increase the prices of petroleum products, Mr.Bardhan said the rise would be the proverbial last straw on the camel’s back. He warned the party would launch a nation-wide agitation if the Centre went ahead with its proposed move.

Explaining the deliberations of the three-day national council meeting of the party here, Mr. Bardhan said the party had prepared a 50-page draft political resolution, which would be taken for discussion at the party’s national congress to be held in Hyderabad soon.

A number of amendments had been suggested which would be incorporated before releasing the draft document in New Delhi.

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