AISMK ready for poll tie-up with any party sans DMK, AIADMK

Chennai, Jul 14 (UNI) Blowing the election bugle on his birthday, actor-politician and All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) founder Sarath Kumar today said his party was open for alliance with any party sans the two strong Dravidian outfits--DMK and the AIADMK-- in Tamil Nadu for the Lok Sabha polls due next year.

Talking to reporters at his residence, Mr Sarath, who turned 54 today, said his party was gearing up for the Lok Sabha polls.

''We have identified candidates for 22 constituencies in the State,'' he said and added that his party was prepared to have electoral tie-ups with those parties that share a common vision and political strategy.

''A new front headed by AISMK will emerge soon without the DMK and the AIADMK,'' he added.

Demanding early implementation of the Hogenakkal Drinking Water Project, which was put on hold by the State temporarily, Mr Sarath said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi should hold discussions with his Karnataka counterpart.

He said he would not hesitate to join hands with the PMK in launching agitations if the project was delayed.

On the killing of two Tamil fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, he said his party has submitted a memorandum to the Sri Lankan Deputy High Commissioner in Chennai.

Leaders of various political parties greeted the actor-politician on the occasion.

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