Date:16/03/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/03/16/stories/2006031616800700.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Thirumavalavan meets Vaiko

Special Correspondent

Seat-sharing talks progressing smoothly, says MDMK leader

DISCUSSING STRATEGY: Dalit Panthers of India general secretary Thol. Thirumavalavan (right), with MDMK general secretary Vaiko in Chennai on Wednesday. — Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: Dalit Panthers of India general secretary Thol.Thirumavalavan met Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam general secretary Vaiko here on Wednesday to discuss a strategy and work out mass contact plans for the Assembly elections. Both the parties are in the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led front.

Both the leaders said they were certain that the AIADMK combine would sweep the polls. Mr. Vaiko recalled his association with Mr. Thirumavalavan and said their friendship stood firm for a long time.

The MDMK and the DPI had joined hands with the AIADMK in the interest of the people of the State. People welcomed the Front's formation.

The alliance would create a sea change in the political scene in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Vaiko said. The AIADMK would get a majority on its own and form the government. Both the MDMK and the DPI would support such a government. "Chief Minister Dr. Puratchi Thalaivi's rule would lead the State towards progress in the 21st century," Mr. Vaiko said.

Mr. Vaiko said seat-sharing talks were progressing smoothly. Asked about speculations that the MDMK would get 15 reserved constituencies, he said that he would be glad if this was true. A major goal of the MDMK was to achieve real social justice.