Issue-based approach towards Centre: AIADMK

Besides a possible no-confidence motion, the BJP government needs AIADMK support in the Rajya Sabha for passing the proposed bills which include the Dam Safety Bill and the scrapping of the University Grants Commission opposed by the AIADMK. The BJP also needs the AIADMK support in the elections for Vice-Chairman to the Rajya Sabha.

The party’s strategy in Parliament as well as the future political course of the party was discussed at a meeting of AIADMK office-bearers and MPs at the party headquarters here on Monday. The meeting comes a day after Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami asserted that the ruling AIADMK would win all the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Parliament elections indicating that his party is prepared to go it alone.

The meeting, which comes amid continuing Income Tax raids in the state, assumes significance after BJP national president Amit Shah carried out an indirect attack on the AIADMK government over corruption. The AIADMK leaders also see actor Rajinikanth’s open backing to simultaneous elections for Parliament and assemblies as a signal to the BJP for pulling down Palaniswami-led government before the Lok Sabha polls.

During the previous budget session of Parliament, the AIADMK was obstructing the House demanding the formation of the Cauvery Management Board. Most of the opposition parties had accused the AIADMK of preventing the taking up of the no-confidence motion tabled by the Telugu Desam Party and other opposition parties.

One of the functionaries said, “The AIADMK will follow the approach of Amma (Jayalalithaa) to fight for the rights and welfare of state people. It will oppose the bills and proposals that are against the people of Tamil Nadu and it will support actions which bring good to the people of the state. The party always considers people’s welfare above everything.” Meanwhile, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan hit back at Palaniswami’s assertion that the AIADMK would win all the 40 seats by stating that only the people would decide who will win want.

Radhakrishnan, speaking in the Chief Minister’s home turf Salem, also said corruption had become an incurable disease in Tamil Nadu and those who had indulged in it would have to answer the people.

He also said the proposed change in UGC’s functioning is aimed at people’s welfare and the need for integrated education approach throughout the country.