Vaiko also indicates that the MDMK is gradually projecting itself as an alternative to the AIADMK and DMK and aims at capturing power in the year 2001. Excerpts:

One reason why AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha is said to have kept off your rally is your refusal to back her demand for dismissal of the DMK Government.

I had never demanded the dismissal of the Jayalalitha government (even when) I fought the AIADMK vigorously. I am consistent in my views. I did not demand invoking Article 356 then and now. If somebody misunderstands me, I can't help it.

Jayalalitha stated sometime ago that there was an understanding with the BJP before the Lok Sabha elections that the DMK Government would be dismissed if the BJP formed a government at theCentre. This was denied by the BJP leadership. Was there any such understanding among the allies?

As far as my knowledge goes, there was no such agreement. There was no such pre-condition when we forged the alliance.

Jayalalitha says she made the dismissal demand from a public platform in the presence of top BJP leaders like A.B. Vajpayee and L.K. Advani. If they were not in favour, they should have spoken against it, she feels. What do you feel?

In coalition politics, each party has its own individual perception. As far as possible, it is better for parties to avoid a clash on a public platform.

If somebody makes a reference to which I am not in agreement, why should I make a denial from a public platform?

It is said that another reason why Jayalalitha is unhappy with the MDMK is that you have opposed withdrawal of support to the Vajpayee Government and support to the Congress, though she and Subramanian Swamy would like to bring in a Congress government at the Centre.

On thisquestion, we in the MDMK have had a thorough, threadbare discussion and adopted a unanimous resolution that we will extend unconditional support to the BJP. We also resolved not to have any truck with the Congress.

Have you conveyed this to Jayalalitha?

Yes, we have made it very clear. We can never go with the Congress.

Do you feel that the AIADMK is planning to back the Congress?

I do not know what is on their mind.

Don't you think that the non-participation of the AIADMK in a rally organised by the MDMK, an ally, sends wrong signals about your front?

Had they participated, it would have been good. We are not disappointed. It is their prerogative to hold a separate function in the memory of late Anna (the founder of the DMK) at Tiruchy (on the same day).

It is felt that your rally will project the other allies of the AIADMK as the nucleus of a new, pro-BJP front in Tamil Nadu minus the AIADMK. Do you agree with this perception?

Definitely, this rally will give abig boost to our party. It will demonstrate our strength and (the fact) that the MDMK is a citadel of the youth. We will grow, systematically.

Will this emerge as a front minus the AIADMK?

It is hypothetical. The AIADMK is still a part of the front. Its support to the BJP continues, and will continue.

It is said the AIADMK does not want your rally to be a success as you could grow strong and emerge as an alternative to both the AIADMK and the DMK and make a bid for power in the year 2001.

The growth of a party is decided by the people. Politics is a game of suspense. In 1996, the whole election scene changed in just seven to 10 days. Moopanar came out of the Congress and joined hands with the DMK. You are asking me what will happen after three years!

The question is, are you preparing the MDMK as an alternative to the main parties?

We are growing. In every hamlet, our unit and flag are there. It is natural for every party to try to grow and achieve something.

Earlier, youreached out to the AIADMK cadres by praising late M.G. Ramachandran as a noble soul. Now, you have sought to reach out to DMK cadres by insisting you will not demand dismissal of their government. Is it part of your plan to tap cadres of both parties?

I am happy that such an interpretation is given to the stand of the MDMK.

Earlier, when I did not demand dismissal of the AIADMK government, DMK men spread atrocious canards that boxes of money were sent to us. Now, when we opposed use of Article 356 against the DMK Government, stories were circulated that a rapprochement with the DMK is in the offing.

We were expelled from the DMK in an undemocratic manner. Five DMK cadres committed self-immolation. On the flames of the funeral pyre, our party, the MDMK, was born. Now, there is no question of rapprochement with the DMK.

How do you justify your alliance with the BJP?

The UF is finished. The Congress cannot rule the country anymore. Sonia Gandhi herself is under a cloud due to the Boforsscandal. The Congress has also been found to be a cesspool of corruption. No one can point an accusing finger at Vajpayee. He is the tallest leader in the country after the late Indira Gandhi. He is the only one known throughout the length and breadth of the country and can take the country to a position of strength. Right now, he is facing some problems on the economic front due to price rise and the East Asian crisis. He will consolidate his position after four or five months and the Government will last a full term.

However, we do not know why Karunanidhi appears to be appeasing the BJP now. The DMK criticised the BJP leadership before the elections, said the saints should be chased out of Tamil Nadu, described the BJP as a communal outfit, that the poisonous snake should be crushed. Now, they are singing a different tune.

The MDMK will go from strength to strength after this rally, which is aimed at spreading the message of late Anna and strengthening the hands of Vajpayee.