Date:20/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/20/stories/2008072055700800.htm

National

PMK issues whip to party MPs

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) has issued a whip to all its six Members of Parliament to vote for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government during the confidence motion in Parliament.

S. Ramadoss, party founder, said: “We are part and parcel of the UPA. We are part of the government.” When the PMK delegation called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in connection with the arrest of the former legislator J. Guru, it had assured him of the party’s support during the motion.

In favour of deal

He recalled that the party, at its general council a few weeks ago, decided to support the India-U.S. civilian nuclear deal.

“Under such circumstances, where is the basis for us taking a decision otherwise,” he asked.

He added that “we support [our allies] vigorously when we are in a front. At the same time, when we oppose [any party], we will do it with the same vigour.”