CPI(M) sounds warning to DMK

Madurai, Nov 6 (UNI) Reminding the DMK Government of the consequences of the Emergency, the CPI(M) today warned of a similar upheaval if the ruling party failed to erase the stains of a 'sham civic election' to the Chennai Corporation.

Party state secretary N Varadarajan, presiding over a demonstration here to condemn the electoral violence, said the state- wide protests were only an alarm to the Government.

Demanding re-election in eight wards the party contested, he asked the DMK to give up 'undemocratic means' employed during the polls in Chennai, which were ''akin to the days of the Emergency.'' ''While mercenaries were engaged in booth capturing and rigging, police and the State Election Commission turned a blind eye, he alleged.

''The party viewed this seriously as it posed a grave threat to democracy,'' the Marxist veteran said, recalling that the party had aligned with the DMK for the Assembly elections only to save democracy in Tamil Nadu. As such, the CPI(M) could not allow a sham election, a murder of democracy to be thrust on the people. The DMK was urged to renounce betrayal of the allies.

Making it clear the CPI(M) was not satisfied with the 'corrective measures' initiated by DMK President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, he said they at best remained cosmetic. Coming down heavily on the DMK, the dominant constituent of the DPA, he said the candidates fielded by the party had already moved the courts, seeking legal remedy. The party too would soon approach the judiciary seeking justice, Mr Varadarajan added.

Besides, CPI(M) MP P Mohan, a large number of party functionaries and supporters took part in the demonstration.

Meanwhile, a Tiruchirapalli report said CPI(M) volunteers, including women, staged a demonstration in protest against the excesses and violence during the recent civic polls, late this evening.

The agitators led by the party's town secretary Annadurai shouted slogans against the DMK Government for 'unleashing violence' and demanded repoll in wards where irregularities were committed, allegedly by DMK activists.

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