TN Bypoll: DPI to support DMK alliance

Madurai, May 14 (UNI) The Dalit Panthers of India (DPI) would extend support to the DMK-led Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) in the bypoll to Madurai West Assembly Constituency, Party General Secretary Thol Thirumavalavan said here today.

Addressing newspersons, he said in the present political situation the DPI wanted that the DPA in Tamil Nadu be strengthened and hence the party would support it in the by-election to the constituency represented by the late rebel AIADMK member S V Shanmugham.

On the party's 'Right to Land' conference in Tirunelveli, postponed to June 17, he said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was slated to address the meet.

Mr Thirumavalavan demanded speedy action to secure the release of the 12 fishermen from the coastal Kanniyakumari district. Ruling out the possibility of LTTE opening fire on Indian fishermen, as being claimed in certain quarters, the DPI cautioned both the Centre as well as the State Government against falling prey to the machinations of the chauvinist Sri Lankan Government. This, however, should not be construed as support for the Tigers as the DPI was only pointing out the misconceptions on this issue, he added.

He welcomed the Chief Minister's decision for a CBI probe into the recent attack on the office of Tamil daily, 'Dinakaran', allegedly by the supporters of M K Azhagiri, elder son of the Chief Minister.

According to the DPI leader this proved Mr Karunanidhi's credentials of being impartial.

UNI