PMK wishes to end controversy over slander with DMK

Chennai, Mar 27 (UNI) The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), involved in a running feud with the ruling DMK over an alleged slanderous interview against its leadership given by a DMK functionary to a Tamil magazine, today sought to put an end to the controversy.

In a statement here, PMK President G K Mani, expressing his party's displeasure over Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi not condemning the manner in which the interview was given, said the PMK did not wish to pursue the issue further.

PMK Founder Dr S Ramadoss, who was branded as a fraudulent leader by DMK Platform Speaker Vetrikondan in the interview, had magnanimously stated yesterday that he wanted to forget it and put a stop to the controversy.

Mr Mani said accordingly, the frontline leaders of the party, office bearers, and Legislators were advised to forget about the controversy and concentrate on party work and public activities.

''Even if any incident happens in future affecting our self-respect, the party members and MLAs are advised not to act in a manner or give interviews that affected the coalition dharma'', he added.

The PMK is a key constituent of the DMK-led DPA and had been extending outside support to the DMK government.

Despite the recent war of words between the two parties and the slanderous interview, Dr Ramadoss had said he would not go back on his promise and pledged his party's support to the government for full five years, while reiterating that it would act as a constructive opposition.

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