HVK Archives: 'MDMK won ditch BJP or back Cong (Interview)
'MDMK won ditch BJP or back Cong (Interview) - The Indian Express
R Rangaraj
()
September 15, 1998
Title: 'MDMK won ditch BJP or back Cong (Interview)
Author: R Rangaraj
Publication: The Indian Express
Date: September 15, 1998
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), an offshoot of the
DMK and an ally of the BJP, is very much in the news these days.
Its much-touted rally to be held in Chennai on Tuesday has
emerged as a rallying point for the pro-BJP parties in Tamil
Nadu, minus the sulking AIADMK leader Jayalalitha. The latter has
chosen not to meet Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee during his
two-day stay in Chennai on September 15 and 16.
The MDMK's firebrand general secretary, Vaiko, who has been
planning the mega-event for nearly five months, is clear that
though Jayalalitha is the leader of their alliance in Tamil Nadu,
his party will not compromise on issue.
Striking an independent posture in an interview to R Rangaraj, he
says he cannot help it if Jayalalitha is angry with him for not
demanding dismissal of the DMK Government. He also declares that
the MDMK will not withdraw support to the Vajpayee Government
come what may and that is party will have no truck with the
Congress. He also lashes out at Sonia Gandhi, saying she is under
a cloud herself in view of the Bofors scandal, and justifies his
alliance with the BJP on the ground that ajpayee is the tallest
leader in the country today and will consolidate his position
after four or five months=94.
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 years 2001. Excerpts:
Q: 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.
A: 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 help it.
Q: Jayalalitha stated sometime ago that there was an
understanding with the BJP before the Lok Sabha election that the
DMK Government would be dismissed if the BJP formed a government
at the Centre. This was denied by the BJP leadership. Was there
any such understanding among the allies?
A: As far as my knowledge goes, there was no such agreement.
There was no such pre-condition when we forget the alliance.
Q: Jayalalitha says she made the dismissal 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?
A: 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?
Q: 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.
A: On this question, 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.
Q: Have you conveyed this to Jayalalitha?
A: Yes, we have made it very clear. We can never go with the
Congress.
Q: Do you feel that the AIADMK is planning to back the Congress?
A: I do not know what is on their mind.
Q: Don you think that the non-participation of the AIADMK in a
rally organised by the MDMK, an ally, sends wrong signals about
your front?
A: 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).
Q: 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?
A: Definitely, this rally will give a big boost to out party. It
will demonstrate our strength and (the fact) that the MDMK is a
citadel of the youth. We will grow, systematically.
Q: Will this emerge as a front minus the AIADMK?
A: It is hypothetical. The AIADMK is still a part of the front.
Its support to the BJP continues, and will continue.
Q: It is said that AIADMK does not want you 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.
A: 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!
Q: The question is, are you preparing the MDMK as an alternative
to the main parties?
A: 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.
Q: Earlier, you reached 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 no demand dismissal of
their government. It is part of you plan to tap cadres of both
parties?
A: 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.
Q: How do you justify your alliance with the BJP?
A: The UF is finished. The Congress cannot rule the country
anymore. Sonia Gandhi herself is under a cloud to the Bofors
scandal. 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 the late Anna and
strengthening the hands of Vajpayee.
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