MDMK, a liability for DMK, says Ponnar

“Many in the DMK hold MDMK with ridicule for the double standards of Vaiko. He tries to appease someone for his political gains,” he said while emerging out of the Coimbatore international airport.

The Union Minister said that Vaiko left DMK complaining of a conspiracy against him. “Vaiko launched his party vowing to give them a forceful retirement and save Tamil Nadu. But now he changed his stand to shower praises on the DMK and wanted its leader to become Chief Minister. By changing his stand, Vaiko lost his credibility and has become a subject of ridicule among the DMK,” he said.

He slammed Vaiko for threatening to show black flags to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whenever he visited Tamil Nadu. The Union Minister said, “I am ready to accept his challenge. The Prime Minister will definitely visit the state and announce welfare schemes. The BJP is prepared to face any sort of protests.”

On the Mekedatu issue, Pon Radhakrishnan said the Centre has given permission only to prepare a project report. “I believe that the report will not jeopardize the interests of Tamil Nadu. We have already shown our full opposition against building the dam,” he said.

On dispersing aid to Cyclone Gaja affected districts, the Union Minister said that the Central Committee was yet to give their report. “Once the report comes, additional financial aid will be given,” he said. The Union Minister then participated in a farmer’s conference held in Pollachi.