MDMK not to contest by-elections

By Our Staff Reporter

NAGERCOIL, JAN. 22. The MDMK General Secretary, Mr. Vaiko, has stated that his party would not contest the coming by-elections in the State.

Mr. Vaiko said his party had resolved not to contest but strive under the leadership of the DMK for the success of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) members.

Reiterating that he would never demand for himself a berth in the Central Ministry, Mr. Vaiko said he would stick to his decision and would decline to accept any post offered to him. Mr. Vaiko, however, expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, for accommodating two of his party MPs in the Cabinet.

Claiming his relationship with the Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, was very cordial and smooth and that the latter did not show any disregard to him on any issue, Mr. Vaiko categorically ruled out the possibility of his party merging with the DMK on any grounds. The MDMK, he asserted, would not only continue to maintain it's identity but also strive for a common cause of the NDA with the DMK.

On the wrongful confinement of 19 Tamil Nadu fishermen in Pakistan prison, Mr. Vaiko assured to persuade the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister to take immediate measures and liberate the fishermen, once the Parliament session began on January 27.

The High Court's verdict in the TANSI case was not the final word yet as the State Government had moved the Supreme Court. Denying that there was any difference of opinion with the PMK, Mr. Vaiko said the PMK was not drifting away and would remain as an active constituent of the NDA. The Tamil Maanila Congress had run short of issues to take on the NDA and hence was hunting for excuses for staging agitations, he said.

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