Plan to strengthen Cong., TMC, AIADMK ties

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, APRIL 8. The electoral alliance among the Congress(I), TMC, AIADMK and other secular parties is to be strengthened for fighting the next Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu.

The AICC(I) general secretary, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, announcing here this today to mediapersons after an hour-long discussion with the TMC president, Mr. G. K. Moopanar, said that these parties would shortly launch a joint demonstration in the State to protest the recent hike in prices of LPG and other essential commodities. He remarked that it was unfortunate that the DMK was the only ally in the NDA which had supported the hike in prices. The demonstration was only to highlight the ``dubious role'' played by the DMK.

Mr. Moopanar would effect coordination among the leaders of all like-minded parties for making the agitation a success. Mr. Moopanar, said that secular parties, which were now in the DMK- led front, would be also welcome to join the programme and later in the new pattern of electoral alliance.

Mr. Azad explained that following discussions Mr Moopanar had with the AICC(I) president, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi which led to the constitution of a coalition Government in Pondicherry the `coordination' between the two parties had become a fait accompli.

When Mr.Azad's attention was drawn to the demand of the TNCC(I) leaders that the TMC should merge with the Congress(I), he remarked ``coordination is more important than merger''. Mr. Azad said that the Congress(I) and TMC leaders were optimistic that the new coalition Government in Pondicherry would acquit itself creditably so that the experiment would be welcomed by the Tamil Nadu people.On speculations about change of guard in the TNCC(I), Mr.Azad said in political organisations changes were inevitable. However, he hastened to add that no decision had been taken on this matter.

The AICC(I)'s Pradesh Returning Officer for Tamil Nadu, Mr.K. Sankaranarayanan, Mr. K.V. Thangabalu were present during the meeting between Mr.Moopanar and Mr.Azad.

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Section  : Regional
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