In a surprise development, the Ramadoss-led PMK and the Dalit Panthers headed by R. Tirumavalavan today put behind their decade-long political enmity and forged a new ‘‘friendship’’.The PMK — dominated by the backward Vanniar caste and a constituent of the UPA Government — and the Dalit Panthers which represents a Dalit sub-sect have been fighting over the past years, leading to communal violence in north TN on several occasions. In fact, the Dalit Panthers walked out of the DMK alliance only because the PMK joined it on the eve of civic elections in October 2001.But Ramadoss and Tirumavalavan came together on a common platform, addressed each other as ‘‘dear brother’’ and pledged to fight unitedly for the cause of ‘‘Tamil language, Tamil people and Tamil soil’’.The two parties see a potential threat in actors Rajnikant and Vijaykant, who have a considerable fan following in north Tamil Nadu, especially among their youth cadre. Fearing a potential erosion of their vote bank, the two feel they need to close ranks.At today’s ‘‘show of unity’’, Tirumavalavan said: ‘‘These Kants (obviously referring to Rajnikant and Vijaykant) who are not from Tamil Nadu want to become chief ministers of the state. We cannot and will not allow it to happen.’’ Tirumavalavan also assured that there would be no more ‘‘bloodshed for the sake of caste’’. Ramadoss said, ‘‘Tirumavalavan is and will ever be my dear brother. And no force can separate us.’’ He went on to add, ‘‘The two of us will fight together to save Tamil.’’The PMK, part of the Congress-DMK alliance, may use its new-found friendship with the Dalit Panthers, for tough bargaining for seats in the 2006 Assembly elections. If the DMK refuses to give in to the PMK’s demands, Ramadoss may walk out and forge an alliance with the Dalit Panthers.
