Date:14/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/14/stories/2008061460940100.htm

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DMK to review ties with PMK

Special Correspondent

It is hurt by nagging criticism

Arcot Veeraswami, Durai Murugan raise the issue of Guru’s speech
Policy panel to meet after Cuddalore conference

CHENNAI: Apparently hurt by the nagging criticism of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday announced that it would take a decision on the continuance of alliance with that party “in five or six days” after the conclusion of the DMK Cuddalore conference.

DMK president and Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, who was responding to questions from party seniors on the issue, said that after the DMK women’s conference ended in Cuddalore on Sunday, the High Level Policy Implementation Committee would meet in Chennai to take a decision. “I will answer the questions after that,” he said here.

The issue of relations between the two parties was first raised by party treasurer and Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veeraswami, who pointedly referred to an instance where PMK leader J. Guru reportedly spoke of killing DMK men, and asked how long the DMK would continue to maintain relations with such parties.

“I’m bound to respond”

The Chief Minister said he had to take the question seriously because the person who raised it was the party’s treasurer.

Another person who spoke on the issue was principal secretary Durai Murugan. They had asked the party’s president and he was bound to respond, the Chief Minister said.

Mr. Karunanidhi said he had also watched a recording of Mr. Guru’s speech. DMK men had faced threats from the time the party was formed but they remained unfazed, he said.

Mr. Karunanidhi ordered that no one in the party should unnecessarily speak on the issue or criticise anyone till such time the truth was established. Also, he wanted party men to abide by the decision of the party.

Responding to Mr. Karunanidhi, PMK founder S. Ramadoss said the ruling party, just because it had authority at its disposal, should not unleash vindictive acts on a political party that had been raising people’s issues.

However, his three-page statement did not refer to the issue of alliance with the DMK.

The PMK has six MPs in the Lok Sabha and two Ministers, Anbumani Ramadoss and R.Velu, in the United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre.