Date:20/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/20/stories/2003012003891100.htm

National

'DMK still BJP's ally at national level'

New Delhi Jan 19. Admitting that there may have been differences at the State level with its key ally, the DMK in Tamil Nadu, the BJP today said that the Dravidian party continued to be its ally in the NDA. ``DMK is still BJP's ally at the national level even though there may have been some problems at the State level between the two parties,'' the BJP President, M.Venkaiah Naidu, told reporters after addressing the heads of party's media cells at the central office here.

On the issue of disinvestment which had been criticised by the DMK, he said ``we are ready for consultations with our allies on this issue and there is nothing wrong with DMK's suggestion for a debate on disinvestment''.

Asked whether BJP would contest the coming assembly by-election in Tamil Nadu, he said ``let us see''.

PTI