ADMK takes sting out of CPI Lanka protest

The CPI8217;s one-day protest fast, which was being touted as the coming closer of all political parties opposed to the DMK-Congress combine...

The CPI8217;s one-day protest fast, which was being touted as the coming closer of all political parties opposed to the DMK-Congress combine 8212; though formally held in solidarity with the Sri Lankan Tamils 8212; fizzled out on Thursday, without shaking and stirring the politics in the state as expected by many.

The fast was seen as a platform for all anti-DMK parties in the state to come together to attack the state Government 8212; a perception strengthened by the announcement of AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa that her party, never known for its connections with the Lankan Tamils, would participate in the event. Another opposition party, the DMDK, had also announced its participation though its leader Vijayakanth categorically stated that his party was taking part due to humanitarian concern.

However, on Thursday, even as the cadres of DMDK cheered for their absentee 8216;captain8217;, AIADMK cadres and party8217;s representative Muthusamy were conspicuous by their absence. This gave rise to speculations that Jayalalithaa was unhappy about the presence of many parties, especially the DMDK. Another strong Eelam supporter, PMK, was also absent during the day.

Though leaders, including CPI national secretary D Raja, were at pains to explain that this was a protest against the Sri Lankan Government and their armed forces for the continuing atrocities against the Tamils in the island country, the expected presence of AIADMK, DMDK, PMK, the Left parties and many smaller parties gave rise to rumours about a possible 8216;grand alliance8217;, like the DPA experiment initiated by DMK president M Karunanidhi.

In the end, apart from the CPI, CPIM, DMDK, Puthiya Thamizhagam, VCK, NCP and few other minor parties took part in the fast, held across Tamil Nadu on Thursday. While they refrained from attacking the DMK, speakers criticised Chief Minister M Karunanidhi for not doing enough to the Tamilians in Lanka, despite being in power at both Centre and state.