DPI criticises DMK poll promise of free Colour TV

Chennai, Mar 30 (UNI) The Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) today ridiculed the DMK for coming out with a poll promise of distributing free colour television sets, saying it would set the stage for ''cultural degradation'' in the state.

Talking to newspersons after releasing the list of candidates for the nine constituencies, the party was contesting in alliance with the AIADMK, party general secretary Tho Thirumavalavan said the DMK, instead, should have announced free education to all The promise to distribute free TVs was yet another attempt to help Mr Karunanidhi's family Television network to monopolise the television sector, he alleged. The DMK leader's family was already trying to monopolise the print media, by coming out with a Re One newspaper.

Mr Thirumavalavan said the DMK, which was a key constituent of the Congress led UPA Government at the Centre, should be defeated in this election, as it would be against the interest of the people of the State, if the party was allowed to rule both at the Centre and the State. ''Tamil Nadu will become a hunting ground, if the DMK is voted to power,'' the Dalit leader warned.

He said the DMK led front was struggling to project the Chief Ministerial candidate and moves were being made to pave way for a Chief Minister, through the back-door and this has to be stopped.

Mr Thirumavalavan said the freebies announced by the DMK in its election manifesto would not help the people to raise their standard of living. The economy would grow and the State would develop, only if the Government improved the purchasing power of the people, instead of giving everything free. The promise of freebies was only to attract the people, he alleged.

He, however, welcomed AIADMK government's free bicycle distribution, saying this encouraged the students to pursue their studies.

On DMK's promise to supply rice at the rate of Rs two per kg, he said he would be happy, if the party is able to fullfil the promise.

The DMK had failed to make Tamil as medium of instruction, despite being in office for 13 years in the State, he added.

Mr Thirumavalavan also criticised the party for not having taken a Dalit party in the front.

UNI