Despite minor hiccups DPA is a force to reckon with: MK

Madurai, Oct 6 (UNI) Brushing aside reports of dissatisfaction and strain in the DMK-led DPA, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today asserted that the alliance was getting more stronger despite minor hiccups.

Addressing a campaign meeting here tonight, seeking votes for the bypoll to the Madurai Central Assembly constituency and the civic elections, he dispelled doubts over the cohesiveness of the combine and said people were very much aware of its indomitable might.

Admitting that some minor problems were bound to be there in such a massive alliance, he echoed the views of DPI leader Thol Thirumavalavan, who crossed over to the DPA from the AIADMK coalition, that the DPA had emerged much stronger than before.

Reports of the Left working against the DMK and the latter remaining opposed to the PMK were being blown out of proportion with an intent to create a rift in the DPA, he maintained and said such acts could not torpedo the alliance. For, in his view it was a league of comrades and not of detractors.

Overcoming the practical problems and difference of opinion, he said the combine, like a river running in its course with whirls, would accomplish its duty of protecting the interests and future of Tamils with self respect. Elaborating the broad agenda of the alliance, he said after removing autocracy, ensuring that it did not raise its head again and preserving democracy were the foremost task.

Listing the development and infrastructure works carried out in the city during the DMK regimes, he said shortly a TIDEL park, would come here as stated in the budget.

Besides Thol Thirumavalavan, TNCC President M Krishnasswamy, PMK leader S Ramadoss, CPI(M) State Secretary N Varadarajan and CPI State Secretary D Pandian were among those, who addressed the gathering.

The DMK has fielded S S Ghouse Basha for the October 11 bypoll caused by the demise of DMK stalwart and HR and CE Minister P T R Palanivel Rajan on May 20, a day after he was inducted into the Karunanidhi cabinet.

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