PMK asks coordination committee of allies in Pondy

Puducherry, Feb 2: The Puducherry unit of the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) today stressed the need for setting up a coordination committee of alliance parties to streamline the functioning of the Congress Government in the Union Territory.

In a statement here, PMK State Secretary and Parliamentary Party leader Prof M Ramdass said hearing the views of the allies -- DMK, PMK and CPI -- was a healthy practice in democracy, which was followed even at the Centre. He opined that if the Puducherry administration followed such a practice, there would be no problem in implementing welfare schemes.

The failure of the Government in this regard had led to the present problem of five Ministers joining together and isolating the Chief Minister in violation of democratic principles.

Prof Ramdass said the setting up of a coordination committee by the AICC to restore unity among the Ministers and the Chief Minister proved the gravity of the situation. Uncontrolled administration, financial crisis, corruption and diversion of funds earmarked for developmental projects to other schemes were the problems tormenting Puducherry. The present situation would not only erode the base of the ruling Congress, but also that of the allies.

The coordination committee should meet once in two months to discuss problems and give suggestions. A Common Minimum Programme as per the election manifesto of the parties should be evolved, he added.

UNI