Vaiko storms out of TV interview on query about fund offer

Chennai, Mar 26: PWF coordinator and MDMK founder Vaiko stormed out of a TV interview when asked whether he was offered a huge amount of money by AIADMK. "I am cancelling this interview", a visibly enraged Vaiko told the Tamil TV channel 'Polymer News' after the question was posed to him.

The interviewer was seen beginning his question by stating he wanted to know whether "PWF being called AIADMK's B-Team and (was) offered Rs 1,500 crore by it (by the ruling party)..." On this, an agitated Vaiko interrupted and stood up before removing the collar-mike.

The interviewer pleaded with the MDMK founder that he listen to his complete question. Later when asked about the date of the interview, a source in the TV channel said it was the "latest".

Meanwhile, the BJP lashed out at Vaiko for his allegation that the saffron party had made certain offers to Vijaykant's DMDK for joining its alliance. Senior party leader and Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan said BJP did not make any such offers. "...There may be others, but not us," he said.

"It can be understood how badly Vaiko treats DMDK. Let him (Vijayakant) understand that Vaiko treats his alliance party as a negotiable object," Radhakrishnan told reporters when asked about the allegations.

Meanwhile, BJP National Secretary H Raja demanded that Vaiko "apologise" for his remarks since DMDK had distanced itself from the allegations. "I may demand (apology) but don't know if he will do so," Raja said.

Vaiko had claimed that the DMK had "offered 80 (assembly) seats and Rs 500 crore" to Vijayakant for joining its alliance while BJP had proposed a Rajya Sabha MP post and a ministerial berth in the Union cabinet to join its alliance.

With Vijayakant's wife Premalatha terming it as Vaiko's opinion and seeking to distance her party from the allegation, DMK had issued a legal notice to the firebrand leader demanding apology or to face action.

PTI