Free TN from clutches of AIADMK : Sonia appeals

Tiruchirapalli, Mar 5 (UNI) Congress President Sonia Gandhi today asserted that only the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) could ensure the people of Tamil Nadu a life of dignity, security and pride.

Winding up the three-day ninth State conference of the DMK here this evening, Ms Gandhi, said, ''Let us, this evening, take a pledge to free Tamil Nadu from the clutches of AIADMK and elect a responsive and caring government.'' She said the DPA alone would ensure a prosperous future in which every citizen of Tamil Nadu was empowered to lead a dignified life.

''We want your efforts to bring victory to the DPA in the May 8 assembly polls,'' she added.

Stating that some Chief Ministers were taking credit for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) Ms Gandhi said it was totally a Centrally-sponsored scheme and the 90 per cent of the funds came from the UPA government.

She said this programme was being implemented in 200 districts in the country, including six in Tamil Nadu. ''In the coming years, all the districts in the country will be covered under the programme'', she added.

Ridiculing Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for her charge that Union Ministers from Tamil Nadu did nothing for the State, she said but for these ministers, the State would not have got projects and huge investments in road, highways and IT sectors.

Showering praise on Mr Karunanidhi, she said the UPA government became possible because of his vast political experience, wisdom and administrative ability. ''I will not forget this. Under his leadership, the people of Tamil Nadu should be relieved from the misrule of AIADMK.'' UNI WS-GV PM RK2058