The Hindu : 'Worst excess', says Chidambaram

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 27, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

'Worst excess', says Chidambaram

By Our Staff Reporter

Thanjavur, April 26. The Congress Jananayaka Peravai leader, P.Chidambaram, today described as the "worst excess in the history of democracy", the decision to refer reports that appeared in

The Hindu to the privileges committee of the State Assembly. Talking to the media here today, Mr. Chidambaram commended the editorial in the newspaper and said he would not be surprised if the Speaker initiated a privilege move against that. "I am sure the press will not be cowed down by such moves", he said and added that it was possible that he too could be hauled up for breach of privilege for these comments.

Referring to the MGR regime, he said a privilege issue was raised against the Ananda Vikatan Editor, who was also imprisoned for publishing a cartoon. But when it was pointed out to the then Chief Minister that it was wrong, he withdrew the action. "I hope Mr. Kalimuthu will also drop the privilege move against The Hindu, without pressing it further", he said.

Mr. Chidambaram called for Opposition unity to fight what he called the "anti-democratic and repressive AIADMK Government in the State".

The Opposition parties, particularly communists, should not lay down conditions for putting up a joint fight. "Electoral alliance is different and putting up a joint fight to oppose an anti-democratic state Government is different. The two should not be mixed up."

Reiterating his stand that a third front without either the DMK or the AIADMK was necessary and that it was viable, he justified his call for a third front as the DMK and AIADMK had ruled the State for 36 years.

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