Our front has won people's respect and support: Raja

The attack from all parties on DMDK-People’s Welfare Alliance only shows that the alliance has emerged as a front-runner in the Assembly election, says CPI national secretary D. Raja. In an interview with G. Jagannath, he also asks those opposing the front to appreciate the fact that alliance offers an alternative politics to break the stagnation created by the rule of AIADMK and DMK. Excerpts
 
Q PWA was formed as a policy based alternative to Dravidian parties. But the alliance’s decision to align with DMDK has not gone down well with political commentators who are accusing PWA of compromising its stand.
That itself shows PWA has gained momentum and it has emerged as front-runner. AIADMK is in power,  they should have attacked it. If at all, they should have attacked DMK. How come DMK and all other parties are attacking this front? Why? There should be some logic. Even those from civil society who had initially supported PWA are opposing its alliance with DMDK. The alternative politics is to break the AIADMK and DMK rule which has reached stagnation.

Q How do you see prospects for  DMDK-PWA front?
The front has won people’s respect and support. That is why it has become a talking point in the media. You cannot ignore and undermine. The way people are turning out for the meetings of the alliance shows that people also wants change. .
 Q Why is DMK continuing to attack DMDK-PWA front as B-Team of AIADMK?
DMK thought they would replace AIAMDK, which is in power.  Now they think the alternative front is emerging and these people have become contenders. This front is being attacked from different quarter.  

Q Election Commission has so far seized over '14 crore unaccounted cash in the state ever since model code of conduct came into effect. How do you think money power can be contained?
Money power is a problem in Tamil Nadu. Even the amount of money which is confiscated by  EC, the bigger is from TN. The question is how EC is going to deal with the situation.
 
Q Is there a solution for money power problem?
There are many fundamental questions we cannot discuss it now. I have raised the issues of electoral reforms, proportionate representative system and State funding in EC meeting. Now, all these things are not there. Within its power, EC should act. It cannot send anybody to jail I understand, but it can always disqualify.