Chennai: Ruling out a Common Minimum Programme
for the DMK-led front for the April 13 Tamil Nadu assembly
polls, one its constituent PMK on Monday said the alliance was
only a "seat-sharing agreement”, and "not based on principles".
"Hence, there is no need for a CMP," PMK founder S Ramadoss
said in an apparent reference to the demand in this regard
made by Congress, the second largest partner in the front.
Speaking to reporters here after releasing his party`s
manifesto, he also assured "unconditional support" to the DMK,
in the event of their combine winning the elections.
Till recently a staunch critic of the DMK`s freebies and
one who had opposed the latter`s satellite city proposal, he
however seemed to have changed his stance.
The party had "no problems" with the DMK`s promise in its
manifesto for a satellite city, as far as it did not affect
people, he said.
To a query on freebies promised by the DMK manifesto such
as providing free grinder or mixer, he evaded a direct reply,
but said the "affluent, such as investors, are already being
given sops such as tax-benefits and subsidies".
He asserted that the 2G spectrum scam and rising prices,
which the Opposition parties intend to use as key campaign
issues against the DMK combine, would affect their front`s
poll prospects.
The DMK-led alliance had its own `counter-measures` he said,
but declined to reveal them.
In its poll manifesto, PMK reaffirmed its commitment to
prohibition, besides striving for reservation in judiciary
and private sector employment.
On the emotive Sri Lankan Tamils issue, Ramadoss said a
separate Tamil Eelam (Tamil statehood) alone was the solution
to the ethnic issue and his party`s manifesto called for
India`s efforts in this regard.
PTI
