Date:06/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/06/stories/2009010659340700.htm

Tamil Nadu

DMK does not offer money for votes like AIADMK: Stalin

L. Srikrishna

MADURAI: “The DMK does not offer money for votes like the AIADMK,” said M.K. Stalin, party treasurer, here on Monday.

To allegations that many DMK men and their leaders offered money to the electorate in the Thirumangalam constituency, he said they would never resort to such cheap gimmicks.

Asked to comment on the telecast of a clip in private television channels, showing Mr. Stalin flanked by Union Minister A. Raja offering money, he said, “It was a gift to a new born baby… we have evidence to prove this point.”

Mr. Stalin said the AIADMK and other Opposition parties were afraid of losing the election. Knowing this well, they had started attacking the DMK in all possible ways. In a bid to divert the attention of the public, they indulged in such tactics.

The DMK, right from the filing of nomination, was adhering to the election code of conduct.

Baseless charges

The charges of offering money were baseless. The AIADMK violated norms right from the date of filing of nominations, he maintained.