The Hindu : Now the rivals call on Tuticorin bishop

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 16, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

Now the rivals call on Tuticorin bishop

By R. Rajaram

Tuticorin Feb. 15. Close on the heels of their meeting the Tirunelveli CSI bishop, S. Jeyapaul David at Palayamkottai, AIADMK and Congress men called on the Roman Catholic bishop, Peter Fernando here to seek his "blessings and support" for the February 26 Sattankulam Assembly byelection.

While the AIADMK team, including the Tourism Minister, A. Miller; the MPs, P. H. Pandian and P.G. Narayanan and the candidate L. Neelamegavarnam, met the bishop last night, the Congress group, led by the TNCC chief, S. Balakrishnan, the working president, E.V.K.S. Elangovan, the former Union Minister, Dhanuskodi Athithan, and Peter Alphonse, had a separate meeting this morning.

Talking to the media after the meeting, Mr. Balakrishnan alleged that the AIADMK was attempting to instigate violence during the poll and had brought many rowdy elements into the constituency.

Asked whether the Congress would seek DMK backing, Mr. Elangovan said "we are seeking the support from all Opposition parties". The party was also appealing to MGR loyalists.

Mr. Pandian today said the AIADMK members had explained to the bishop the background to the anti-conversion law.

The Congress and AIADMK delegations' meeting with the two bishops assumes significance as Christians form a sizable section in the constituency.

DK to support AIADMK

Our Chennai Special Correspondent reports

Meanwhile, the Dravidar Kazhagam has announced its support for the AIADMK in the byelection.

The general secretary, K. Veeramani, in a statement yesterday, said the Opposition parties, by making allegations of misuse of the official machinery, were trying to find excuses in anticipation of a defeat.

Although there were differences with the ruling party on some issues, the DK appreciated the efforts taken by the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, at providing good governance despite a drought situation, financial crisis, and "partiality" on the part of the Centre.

In Sattankulam, the Chief Minister had lived up to her claim that she would maintain equidistance from both the BJP and the Congress, said Mr. Veeramani.

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