The People’s Welfare Movement, comprising MDMK, CPI, CPI(M), Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi (VCK) and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), will culminate in an electoral front for the 2016 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, said MDMK general secretary Vaiko. “Tamil Nadu will see a coalition government after the Assembly polls and it will be provided by the People’s Welfare Movement,” he said while addressing a conference organised in connection with the 53rd birthday of VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan.
Mr. Vaiko said though some people had ridiculed the Movement, it had already caught the imagination of the people. “It has instilled fear in the minds of those in the government. The coalition government to be formed by us will put an end to corruption,” he said. Mr. Vaiko said a fast would be observed in Chennai, on August 26, demanding a CBI inquiry into the killing of 20 Tamils in Tirupati.
CPI(M) state secretary G. Ramakrishnan said the People's Welfare Movement alone had the credibility to lead a struggle against corruption and untouchability and it would contest in the elections. “We have come together on common ideology and principle. We should always keep in mind the Congress is not an alternative to the BJP and the DMK is not an alternative to the AIADMK when we propose the idea of a coalition government,” he said. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan said only a coalition government could ensure political empowerment of those who were on the fringes. “Single party rule in Tamil Nadu means ruling by a single man. Only a coalition government can put an end to the trend,” he said.
He also announced the alliance’s decision to hold continuous protests from September 17, the birth anniversary of Periyar to October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
