DMK to support UPA govt on FDI issue with 'bitterness'

Giving a huge relief to the Centre, DMK today decided to back the UPA government in Parliament with "bitterness" when the discussion on FDI in multi-brand retail sector takes place.

"One should not forget the situation of the UPA government falling if a discussion and voting takes place under rule 184 in Parliament accepting the demand of BJP and some other parties," DMK Chief M Karunanidhi said, in a three-page statement as the Centre was engaged in mustering support from various political parties.

DMK's decision comes two days after Congress emissary Ghulam Nabi Azad met Karunanidhi, in order to take the second largest UPA constituent with 18 members on board to counter opposition demand for a discussion under rules that entail

voting.

"Though there may be thousands of differences still persisting on the issue and considering the consequences if the government falls at the Centre, in bitterness, the DMK has decided to support the UPA government on the issue", Karunanidhi said.

The DMK chief said no room should be given to communal parties like BJP coming to power if there was a danger to the UPA government.

Charging BJP with raising the 2G spectrum loss at Rs 1.76 lakh crore as a "monstrously big" issue from Himalayas to Kanyakumari creating "confusion and crisis" among the people, he said "such communal forces should not come into power".

"Considering all these factors, there is a compelling circumstances that the UPA Government should continue at the Centre", he said.

Karunanidhi recalled that the Centre has already said FDI would not be thrust on the state governments and gave an assurance that the small traders and farmers will not be put to any hardships in Tamil Nadu.

He said a stable government chosen by the people in a democracy would only give peace and economic growth and assuring the welfare of the people.

... contd.

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