AIADMK, MDMK rejects Govt offer to join TV Committee: MK

Chennai, June 24 (UNI) The opposition All India Anna DMK (AIADMK) and Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) have turned down the DMK Government's request to join the all-party committee being constituted by the Government for the free Colour TV distribution scheme.

Talking to newspersons here today at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said while the AIADMK and MDMK rejected the Government offer, the Desiya Munnetra Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), led by the actor Vijayakanth, expressed his inability to join the committee.

However, the Dalit Panthers of India (DPI), which was an ally of the AIADMK, has agreed to take part in the committee, being constituted to oversee the procurement and distribution of colour television sets, marking the fulfillment of DMK's poll promise.

Mr Karunanidhi said AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa, in a letter, said that the party was not willing to be in the committee, as the scheme was not practical and aimed at hoodwinking the people.

The MDMK, in its letter said the scheme would not benefit the people. Allocation of funds for free colour television, instead of for drought schemes, amounted to cheating, the party added.

Mr Vijayakanth said, being the sole member of the party in the assembly, he would not be able to join the committee, as he had other works to attend. However, DPI member Selvam has agreed to take part in the committee, Mr Karunanidhi added.

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