DMK-PMK discontent hits the nadir

Chennai, Mar 26: The simmering discontent between the ruling DMK and its key ally PMK, reached the boiling point today, with the latter claiming that the interview given by DMK platform Speaker criticising the PMK leadership had the concurrence of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi.

Addressing a press conference here today, PMK founder S Ramadoss charged that the interview given by DMK platform Speaker Vetrikondan to a Tamil Magazine, in which he had made some slanderous attack on the PMK leadership, was not his interview.

''It was prepared at the DMK Headquarters ''Arivu Aalayam'' and was cleared by Mr Karunanidhi'', a visibly upset PMK Chief claimed.

Dr Ramadoss quoting Vetrikondan's son, who is also the Vice-chairman of Jayamkondam Municipality, said his father was asked to sign on it (the copy of the interview).

Refusing to elaborate further, he said he wanted to make this clear to the Public and reiterated that the PMK would, however, continue to extend support to the DMK government for full five years.

''We will not go back on our promise (of providing continued support to the government)'', he added.

''I do not know'', was his cryptic reply when asked what was the motive behind the interview, in which Mr Vetrikondan had made critical remarks against him and even went to the extent of branding him as a ''Fraudulent leader''.

UNI