BJP calls for national debate on 'cheap promises'

Chennai, Apr 29: Dubbing the poll promises made by the two Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu as ''mockery of political system'' in the country, senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader M Venkaiah Naidu today called for a national debate on the ''cheap promises''.

Talking to newspersons here, he said the political parties, which have come out with ''cheap promises'' should be made accountable and the Election Commission should initiate a debate on the issue.

Ridiculing both the DMK and the ruling AIADMK for competing with each other in making the promises, Mr Naidu said what was required was focus on developing infrastructure and requirements of the people Below Povetry Line (BPL). Unfortunately, both the DMK and the AIADMK have neglected these points, he charged.

In the absence of any wave, the two fronts, headed by the DMK and the AIADMK were frustrated and were not confident of winning the elections. That was why they were vying with each other in wooing the voters with such promises, he added.

He said Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, who had taken some harsh decisions to put back the state's economy on the rails, has now made a ''U'' turn by announcing 10 kg free rice and waiver of co-operative loans availed by the farmers. This showed her lack of confidence, he said.

He said the BJP has entered the fray with the twin objectives of increasing its strength in the assembly and expand the party's presence in the state. The party wanted to be a constructive opposition in the House.

UNI