Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Nothing new: Opposition

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI MARCH 9. Leaders of Opposition parties have found nothing new in the policy announcements made by the Governor while criticising the privatisation of bus routes.

Faulting the Government for reducing the plan outlay, the TMC Legislature Party leader, S.R. Balasubramaniam, today said it would hamper development works.

While he welcomed the Government opposition to any move to give a base for the LTTE in Tamil Nadu, he said his party was not in a position to accept the ruling AIADMK's support for the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance.

The PMK founder, S. Ramadoss, said mere ``publicity announcements'' would not be enough to make Tamil Nadu No. 1 State. There was nothing novel about the 15-point programme, he added.

The CPI State secretary, R. Nallakannu, said no new scheme had been announced for development of the people. There was no plan to generate employment.

The DPI general secretary, R. Tirumavalavan, said the move on privatisation went against social justice. While the 15- point programme was welcome, it remained to be seen how it could be implemented at this time of financial crisis.

The TNCC president, E.V.K.S. Elangovan, said in Karur that workers should not be hit by the proposed move to privatise the transport sector.

Mr. Elangovan also wanted the bus fare to be reduced as the diesel price had come down. Some good things were happening after March 2, Mr. Elangovan said.

Asked if there was any tangible change in the attitude of the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, he said that would be known only in course of time.

The unconditional support extended by the Congress to the TMC president, G.K. Vasan's candidature for the Rajya Sabha elections made him feel confident of positive response to the Congress invitation for a merger, he said.

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