PWF accuses DMK of abetting defections

A sense of surprise and shock pervaded the People’s Welfare Front (PWF) on Tuesday over DMDK propaganda secretary and MLA V.C. Chandhirakumar’s discordant view on his party’s alliance with the front.

Till last week, Mr. Chandhirakumar had actively participated in the election campaign with the PWF and had dismissed all reports that he was unhappy with the party leader Mr. Vijayakant, PWF leaders said.

“He was with us for three days last week and addressed public meetings, lashing out at the DMK and the AIADMK. He declared that he would even jump into a well if ordered by party leader Mr. Vijayakant. It is a betrayal and I am shocked,” MDMK general secretary Vaiko told The Hindu.

Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan was also equally surprised. “When we met Mr. Vijayakant, he introduced Mr. Chandhirakumar and praised him for his unflinching loyalty,” he said.

He, however, was confident that the move of Mr. Chandhirakumar and two other MLAs was unlikely to undermine the PWF, as the party’s rank and file was solidly behind Mr. Vijayakant.

‘Handiwork of DMK’

Even though the PWF leaders expected some dissent among the second level leadership, they never expected it from Mr. Chandhirakumar. They allege that the DMK was behind the defection.

“It is the handiwork of the DMK as the party leadership is determined to nip in the bud any attempt that will disrupt the bipolar political order of Tamil Nadu,” said CPI(M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan.

“When it comes to encouraging dissent in the DMDK, there seems to be an agreement between the DMK and the AIADMK,” he said and alleged that the ruling party in the past had adopted similar methods to lure nine DMDK MLAs to its fold.

Mr. Vaiko alleged that the DMK had always resorted to foul and unethical means to persuade second level leaders of other parties whenever they refused to yield to its designs for an alliance.

“In 2006, DMK leadership indulged in buyouts and two senior leaders — Gingee Ramachandran and L. Ganesan — joined the DMK. I have ample proof to prove my accusation and will disclose if the DMK questioned my claim,” Mr. Vaiko said.

The PWF leaders, however, argued that dissidents would make no impact in the elections. “On the other hand, they stand thoroughly exposed before the people of Tamil Nadu along with the DMK that encouraged them,” Mr. Ramakrishnan said.

Seeking to dispel the notion that the PWF would help either DMK or the AIADMK, Mr. Thirumavalavan said the AIADMK’s candidate list had exposed Ms. Jayalalithaa’s autocratic attitude towards alliance partners.

“As we get closer to the election, the trend will completely turn against the AIADMK and the DMK,” he said.