DMK, PMK part ways in state; alliance at Centre to continue

The decision to snap ties was taken at a high-level policy implementation committee meeting, convened at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam.

Although the Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) in the state had differences since its inception in 2006, the decision to part ways followed a highly provocative speech by PMK functionary ‘Kaduvetty’ J Guru, who had threatened to kill DMK members.

“Even after the condemnable speech, neither any action has been taken against the party member nor an apology was tendered by PMK leaders. In this situation, unfortunately, this alliance cannot continue,” said DMK president and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

After DMK office-bearers, ministers and senior leaders raked up the controversial speech and demanded the ouster of PMK, the latter’s founder-leader S Ramadoss had struck a reconciliatory note, stating that the speech was made in January and the issue was resolved soon after. He had also circulated copies of letters written to him by Karunanidhi to substantiate his claim.

When asked, Karunanidhi said the letter was regarding the transfer of certain officials as requested by Ramadoss and not regarding Guru’s speech.

“Making a mockery of all initiatives taken by the state Government and issuing statements and granting interviews to criticise the policies of the Government was all that the PMK leadership was interested in. To gain cheap political mileage, Ramadoss had been saying that the state Government had failed in all fronts in its two years of rule and terming the DMK Government as anti-people,” read the resolution adopted by DMK.

According to sources, Tuesday’s decision was a warning to the PMK that if it did not mend its ways it could cost the party its cabinet post in Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss. Though a minority with only 96 MLAs in the 234-member Assembly, DMK is not under any threat at the state...