CPI(M) keen on including DMDK in joint struggle

CHENNAI: The CPI (M) is keen on including Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) led by actor Vijayakant in the joint-struggles to highlight the failures of the State and the Central governments, said G. Ramakrishnan, the State secretary of the party. However, any decision on an electoral understanding with the DMDK would be taken only at the time of elections.

“This need not be seen as a political front. The Left front exists only in Kerala, West Bengal and Tripura. In other States, we have seat adjustments during the election,” he told The Hindu on Sunday.

The Left parties in Tamil Nadu are working closely with the AIADMK and the MDMK. The two parties even supported the Left-sponsored hartal on April 27 to highlight the failure of the Centre to control the rise in the prices of essential commodities. But the DMDK was not included in these joint efforts, though the CPI (M) held parleys with actor Vijayakant before the 2009 Lok Sabha elections.

While the CPI (M) campaigned for the AIADMK candidate in the Pennagaram by-election separately, they were present when the AIADMK candidates filed their nominations for Rajya Sabha elections.

But Mr. Ramakrishnan refused to attach any significance to these events.

“We wanted to defeat the DMK-Congress combine and supported the AIADMK, because it is the best bet now. But the question of entering into an understanding with the AIADMK or other political parties for the 2011 Assembly elections will be decided later,” he said.

The CPI (M) leader said the victory of the ruling combine in all the by-elections held in the State did not mean it was invincible. “There is a discontent beneath surface, which will manifest itself during the next Assembly election,” he said.

Mr. Ramakrishnan said while the economic policies of the Congress-led UPA government had rendered the lives of the poor miserable across the country, corruption in all level in Tamil Nadu and the deteriorating law and order situation had become a cause of concern.

“Power cut in the State has severely affected small scale industries. The textile industry is going through a crisis because of steep rise in the price of yarn, while agriculture has become unviable for the farmers and agricultural labourers,” he said.

Mr. Ramakrishnan said the CPI (M) would press for devolution of power and a political solution to the Sri Lankan Tamils issue when the President of the country Mahinda Rajapaksa visited India on June 8.

(Courtesy : The Hindu)

On the Visit of Sri Lankan President to India

The visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to India beginning on June 8 will be an occasion for the reaffirmation of the close and friendly ties between India and Sri Lanka. The visit should contribute towards strengthening these relations further.

On the occasion of the President’s visit, the Indian government should impress upon the Sri Lankan President the need for an expeditious political settlement of the Tamil question which would involve the devolution of powers and autonomy for the Tamil-speaking areas. Such a political solution will strengthen the unity and integrity of Sri Lanka.

With the end of the prolonged war, the rehabilitation of the displaced Tamil people is the other major concern. Out of the 3 lakh displaced people who were in relief camps, still around 80,000 have not returned to their homes. A speedy rehabilitation of the displaced people, ensuring their means of livelihood and their security should be a major priority. India, which is also providing assistance to this process, can discuss ways to speed up the rehabilitation.