Alliance with DMK-led front based on shared principles, not on seats: Durai Vaiko

MDMK MP Durai Vaiko emphasizes alliance with DMK against communal forces, not for more seats in elections.

Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) MP Durai Vaiko on Friday said that the party’s alliance with the ruling DMK-led front is based on shared principles against communal forces and not to bargain for more seats in Assembly and Parliamentary elections.

Interacting with media persons here, he said that MDMK joined DMK-led front, now INDIA bloc, seven years ago with shared principles of not allowing communal forces, especially BJP to get foothold in Tamil Nadu. The importance of the alliance assumes significance in the present scenario as minorities are facing threats from communal forces especially in non-BJP ruling States.

“As we [MDMK] step into the eighth year in the alliance, our alliance is to oppose communal forces, which have a strong foothold in northern States where threats to minorities are visible. Shared principles have brought us together,” he said.

Asked about Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi over a reported farewell accorded to Vice-Chancellor of Periyar University R. Jagannathan, who has been facing corruption charges, Mr. Vaiko said that Mr. Ravi has been acting against the State government and working as an agent of Centre (Union government) since he assumed office as Governor in the State. Tamil Nadu Governor’s action was not only against his Constitutional responsibilities but also against social justice, he added.

Appreciating the ruling DMK’s four years of achievements, the Tiruchi MP said that DMK assumed power in May 2021 when the State was reeling under a second wave of COVID-19 with deep financial constraints. In the following years, the State government also faced non-cooperation from the Centre in disbursal of funds, new schemes for Tamil Nadu and refusal by Governor Mr. Ravi to assent to bills by the State Assembly. “Despite these constraints, Tamil Nadu has secured 9.67% GDP growth rate in 2024, highest among States in the country. The State also attracted over Rs 10 lakh crore investments from abroad. All this has to be welcomed,” he said.