Tamil Nadu: Two events likely to showcase Opposition unity

Chennai: As the state government is preparing to face AIADMK (Amma) deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s August revolt, the Opposition is building up unity moves with two functions bringing them together in the same month. Leaders of DMK, Congress, Left, VCK and other opposition parties will share the dais at the platinum jubilee of DMK organ ‘Murasoli’ on August 11. Besides, they will come together at the ‘state autonomy conference’ organised by the VCK on August 17, the birthday of party leader Thol. Thirumavalavan.

Inviting the cadre to attend the ‘Murasoli’ function, DMK working president M.K. Stalin, in a letter to party workers, listed the leaders from Congress, Left, VCK and other parties who are taking part in the function. Obviously, indicating the party’s invitation to MDMK general secretary Vaiko, the DMK leader said, ‘Some other leaders had been invited with affection without any political differences and they have extended their greetings. They have promised to come in person, if there is an opportunity”.

The leaders who are taking part in the function include veteran CPI leader R. Nallakannu, TNCC president S. Thirunavukkarasar, CPM MP T.K. Rangarajan, CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, Dravidar Kazhagam president K. Veeramani and Thamizaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T. Velmurugan.

Stalin made it clear that party president M. Karunanidhi would not participate in the function. He recalled that ‘Murasoli’ was started as a weekly on August 10, 1942 and said actor Kamal Haasan, besides poet Vairamuthu and prominent journalists would attend the first day function on August 10.

Thirumavalavan, who is bringing the opposition leaders under the state autonomy plank,  said democratic forces all over the country should come under one front. He alleged “The rights of states are being snatched away and powers are being centralised by the BJP government”.

Accusing the BJP government of imposing Hindi and Sanskrit, he said the central government had started taking total control over education. The only solution would be to bring back education to the state list, Thirumavalavan said and said the financial  independence of states had been taken away.