AIADMK keeps away from CPI fast on Lankan issue

Chennai, Oct 2 (UNI) In a sudden development, the AIADMK staged a boycott of the fast, organised by the Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI), protesting against the attack on Sri Lankan Tamils by the Island Nation's forces.

After the CPI announced the one-day fast, the AIADMK, in a politically significant move, had offered support to the fast by announcing that Party Organising Secretary and Former Minister S Muthusamy would address the gathering.

But in a sudden move, the party high command has decided against extending support to the fast and told Mr Muthusamy last night that he need not go to the fasting venue and offer felicitations, party sources said.

Mr Muthusamy himself did not know the reason for the sudden change, though political circles feel AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa did not like CPI's decision to seek the support of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) headed by Actor Vijayakanth.

DMDK Presidium Chairman and Former AIADMK Leader Panruti S Ramachandran, as a mark of offering support, came to the fast venue and offered felicitations on behalf of the party.

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