Signalling a split, the DMK today accused the MDMK leadership of being deceitful and of negotiating with rival AIADMK in Tamil Nadu for the coming Assembly elections while pretending to continue in the Democratic Progressive Alliance. Without actually mentioning MDMK leader Vaiko by name, DMK treasurer Arcot N Veerasamy, a confidant of party chief M Karunanidhi, accused Vaiko of pursuing ‘‘dishonest politics’’. In a statement here today, Veerasamy said: ‘‘They are trying to create an impression that they are still in the DMK front even while bargaining for seats with the rival camp (AIADMK). These tactics cannot be termed honest politics.’’ On Saturday, Karunanidhi had virtually given up on Vaiko, indicating a parting of ways between the two parties. He told reporters that Vaiko had not yet got back to him with his party’s wish list for the polls. Veerasamy regretted that Vaiko had not bothered to respond to Karunanidhi even after the Saturday press meet. Meanwhile, the MDMK propaganda secretary, Nanjil Sampath, continued his diatribe against the DMK leadership, threatening to expose the ‘‘DMK’s family politics’’. Veerasamy said his party cadres were furious over such remarks. On Saturday, Vaiko had issued a statement expressing regret at his partyman’s public speech, which he said, did not reflect MDMK’s views. Veerasamy sought to know as to how Sampath could continue with his attack against the DMK despite Vaiko’s assurances that he would seek an explanation from him. The DMK leadership was also ‘‘hurt’’ by a remark by the MDMK presidium chairman, L Ganesan, that ‘‘only a fool wouldn’t accept that the MDMK is the third largest party in Tamil Nadu’’.
