Date:13/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/02/13/stories/2006021311550400.htm

Tamil Nadu

AIADMK gripped by fear of defeat: Vasan

Special Correspondent

Says ruling party trying to break DPA using "money and muscle" power

Thanjavur: Fear of defeat in the Assembly elections has gripped the AIADMK and it is trying to break the Democratic Progressive Alliance using "money and muscle" power, Union Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation G.K. Vasan here on Saturday.

He told The Hindu that the AIADMK was like a person walking in the dark who, to overcome fear, sings loudly. "The AIADMK, to overcome its fear, it is trying to lure alliance partners from the DPA."

Welfare schemes

He said the State Government had announced various welfare schemes keeping the elections in mind. Many of these should have been implemented long back. "But I wonder whether there will be time to implement these schemes."

Dubbing it "negative planning," he remarked, "I am sure, negative planning will give only a negative result."

He said State Governments should implement Central projects properly.