Date:23/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/23/stories/2008012355490800.htm

Tamil Nadu

It is for AIADMK to decide on alliance: BJP

“Premature to comment on the issue”

CPI(M) lacks calibre to form a third alternative
UPA “unstable” with partners handing out threats

MADURAI: It is premature to comment on the coming together of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Bharatiya Janata Party, according to former BJP president M. Venkaiah Naidu.

Addressing a press conference here on Monday, Mr. Naidu said though the AIADMK was “going along the same lines” with the BJP on certain issues, “it is for the AIADMK to decide on (re)joining the National Democratic Alliance.”

Describing the recent meeting of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa in Chennai as “courtesy call,” he said, “No discussion on alliance took place at the meeting.”

Mr. Naidu felt attempts to form a third front would not succeed and the country’s politics would remain bipolar.

The third front or an alternative would be a mirage as efforts for its formation lacked credibility. Those who were mooting a third front had, at one time or other, shared power with or supported the Congress.

The United Progressive Alliance Government at the Centre would not complete its tenure though possibility of a mid-term election had receded after the Gujarat polls. The UPA had become “unstable” with its partners either handing out threats or leaving the alliance, he said.

Referring to the draft political resolution of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) released on Sunday ahead of its 19th party congress, Mr. Naidu said it was a clear indication of the party’s dilemma. It was afraid of losing people’s support by being with the Congress, which was losing popularity.

The CPI(M) had “no calibre” to form a third alternative. Communists could not escape the blame and responsibility for the anti-people polices of the UPA Government.

Mr. Naidu said the BJP would oppose any revision of prices of petroleum products. He urged the government to “explore alternative ways,” like revising the tax system and duty levy, to avoid an increase.

He accused the Congress of attempting to retain power in Goa “by hook or by crook,” and was confident that the BJP would win in Karnataka without an alliance.

On the Sethusamudram project, he claimed that people supported his party’s stand that ‘Ramar Sethu’ should not be disturbed. It was not against the project but insisted that it should have a different alignment.

The DMK government was “slowly becoming unpopular” due to non-fulfilment of election promises, he claimed.