'New-look alliance a matter of time'

By R.K. Radhakrishnan

CHENNAI, AUG. 12. The National Democratic Alliance does not foresee any problem in the entry of the PMK into the DMK-led alliance in the State, according to the NDA convener, Mr. George Fernandes.

The firming up of the new-look alliance was only a matter of time as there was no serious problem between the PMK and the DMK.

There were ``some minor'' hitches such as reservations entertained by the two Dalit parties in the DMK-alliance here, but this problem would not stand in the way of the entry of the PMK, both NDA and DMK leaders believe.

The DMK president, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, said the NDA convener, who met him here today, stressed the need for discussions on the PMK into the DMK-led front.

``Mr.Fernandes requested me that discussions be held,'' Mr. Karunanidhi told presspersons before he left for his party office to supervise arrangements for the afternoon rally. The DMK president earlier maintained that the PMK should make the first move and meet him for any serious discussion on re-entry to be held. The PMK founder, Dr. S. Ramadoss, had sought to convey the impression that he was not ``desperate'' to enter into any alliance.

Mr. Fernandes today said the DMK was not upset with the NDA for re-admitting the PMK into its fold before the State level relations firmed up. ``The PMK has to discuss with the DMK its entry into the DMK alliance here,'' he told reporters after an hour-long meeting with Mr. Karunanidhi.

However, he had no proposal to meet Dr. Ramadoss today. He was not carrying a message from the PMK for the DMK. Though he did not foresee any problems in the PMK becoming part of the alliance here, the final decision on the composition of the State level alliance would rest with the DMK, he said.

To another question, Mr. Fernandes said a meeting of the NDA would be convened ``soon'' to decide on the issue of re- entry of the Trinamool Congress.

The Union Government was ``on the job of taking action against the police officers'' responsible for ``manhandling'' of two Union Ministers and Mr. Karunanidhi, at the time of their arrest here in June, he said. But, imposition of President's rule was ``not on the cards,'' he added.

`Coalition discipline essential'

Our Kancheepuram

Staff Reporter reports:

Speaking to reporters at Madurantakam, Mr. Fernandes admitted that it was essential for the coalition to present a picture of a disciplined group as the people were watching the actions of political parties.

Asked whether separate clauses existed in the coalition for the PMK being a constituent of the NDA at the Centre and not at the State level, Mr. Fernandes said this instance was not the first one. He cited the MDMK, which had come out of the NDA to contest on its own in the Assembly polls while still being part of the NDA. Asked whether he would consider the DPI and PT reservations about re-entry of the PMK into the NDA fold, Mr. Fernandes said he was unaware of such a view taken by the two parties.

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