CPI challenges PMK to function as opposition party

Puducherry, Oct 29(UNI) Flaying the Pattali Makkal Katchi(PMK) parliamentary party leader M Ramadass for his remark against the Government retaining the name of Puducherry town as Pondicherry, CPI National Council member R Viswanathan MLA, today demanded that the PMK withdraw support to the Government and sit with other opposition parties, if it cannot tolerate the deeds of the Government.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Viswanathan wondered whether it is the duty of the PMK to dismiss elected Governments and demanded an explanation from Prof Ramadass on his statement and added that the MP should not come to a conclusion that his uncalled for speeches would be tolerated.

Prof Ramadass while addressing a meeting of the Tamil scholars and organisations here recently to protest against the Government retaining Pondicherry stated that he would have dismissed the Puducherry Government by using Article-356 of the Constitution for retaining the name of Puducherry town as Pondicherry, had he been vested with the required powers.

On the issue of Welfare Minister M Kandasamy charging that the Government had diverted Rs 90 crore from the special component funds meant for the welfare of the Adi Dravidar people here and the amount be returned forth with, Mr Viswanathan said all matters were to be recorded in the files and it is unfair on the part of the Minister to opine his views verbally.

He alleged that the the law and order situation had deteriorated in Puducherry and Tamil Nadu police were entering Puducherry and arresting rowdies and criminals, as the police here could not act.

Anti-social elements were errecting cut-outs for politicians and police could not initiate action against them so far, he alleged.

He also demanded revamping of the police force here.

UNI