Date:17/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/04/17/stories/2006041704560400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Do not ridicule our schemes, Karunanidhi tells opponents

Special Correspondent

"They could have promised rice to poor at cheaper rates"

Opposition behaving like "enemy" parties, he says
Only DPA victory will usher in people's rule

Karunanidhi completes second leg of campaign in his constituency

IN HOME SEAT: DMK president M. Karunanidhi canvassing votes at Chepauk constituency in Chennai on Sunday. — Photo: K. Pichumani

CHENNAI: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Sunday wanted opposition parties to compete in providing schemes to the people and not ridicule those announced by his party.

Referring to criticism of his rice at Rs. 2 a kilo scheme, he said that if the opponents wanted, they could promise rice to the poor at cheaper rates. Instead, they were behaving like "enemy" parties and were raising questions on the feasibility of the scheme, he told voters in Chepauk constituency, from where he is seeking re-election.

He had explained the scheme and its financial implications many times over, as well as how he proposed to implement the promises made in the DMK election manifesto, he added.

Just back from a tour of some districts,Mr. Karunanidhi appealed to people to vote for Democratic Progressive Alliance candidates and said only a DPA victory would usher in people's rule in the State.

Though many said that the election campaign was yet to peak, his impression was that people were ready to throw out the "anti-people and anti-democratic" AIADMK Government.

Mr. Karunandhi, on the second leg campaign in his constituency, sought vote from people on General Patters Road, Mallikapuram, Gopaldas Road, Mohandas Road and nearby areas before ending his campaign at the junction of Chella Pillayar Koil Street and Jani Basha Street in Royapettah. Sitting in an open jeep and flanked by Union Ministers A. Raja and Dayanidhi Maran, he waved to people lining balconies and terraces of houses along the route. Both Union Ministers and DMK treasurer Arcot N. Veerasamy tried to dissuade people from showering flower petals on Mr. Karunanidhi, but in vain. Union Minister T.R. Baalu, who walked ahead of the convoy, left for campaigning in Triplicane after Mr. Karunanidhi's campaign.