Chennai: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday walked out of People’s Welfare Alliance, whose other constituents include CPI (M), CPI and VCK, without ascertaining any specific reason for the exit.
After the party’s high-level committee meeting held here, Mr Vaiko, also the convener of the PWA, said that following detailed discussion in the party’s meeting, the decision was taken to quit the alliance. “However, we will continue to have a friendly relation with others parties of alliance – CPI (M), CPI and VCK,” he said.
PWA, floated last year, has been facing serious difference on various issues including demonetisation after its electoral debacle in the state Assembly polls.
PWA contested the polls along with DMDK and TMC but failed to win a single seat. After the polls, DMDK and TMC ended its alliance with the PWA. However, the difference started emerging among the constituents of the PWA on various issues with CPI (M) wanting to do away with the co-ordinator post held by Vaiko. Moreover, MDMK declined to participate in the Constitution Protection Conference organised by VCK in Puducherry on December 28.
CPI (M) state secretary G. Ramakrishnan said MDMK had welcomed demonestisation, “an important issue that has affected all sections of society.” “The rest of us (CPI (M), CPI and VCK) have been carrying out struggles against demonetisation while the MDMK high command welcomed Modi’s announcement. When there is a difference of opinion on such a key issue, we think it is not possible to remain in an alliance. MDMK seemed to have decided on that basis,” he told reporters in response MDMK's decision.
The CPI (M) leader, however, insisted that their friendship would continue. VCK president Thol. Thirumavalavan said that he was shocked by the decision. He also felt that the differences on demonetisation would have resulted in MDMK taking such a decision.
CPI state secretary R. Mutharasan said. Vaiko could have discussed his party's decision with the alliance constituents before making the announcement.
