Are AIADMK and DMK prepared to contest on their own?: Pon Radhakrishnan
Chennai: Union minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan has dared the ruling AIADMK and opposition DMK to contest the Assembly election alone and prove their strength.
“They had ruled Tamil Nadu for 50 years and still are not prepared to face polls alone. If they are all set to face polls alone, then the BJP is also ready,” the party senior said throwing down the gauntlet.
He also speaks of the issues that have become crucial for this poll in an interview to Deccan Chronicle. Excerpts:
Q: BJP-led NDA’s size has shrunk. Has there been progress in your efforts on wooing potential allies?
A: The BJP has made all arrangements to face the Assembly elections. Our poll-related work is on track and we are confident of emerging victorious.
Q: Will BJP contest the poll alone this time?
A: Neither DMK nor AIADMK, since the parties emerged in 1962 and 1972, faced the elections without alliance. They have not contested polls alone. Both parties have ruled Tamil Nadu over the last 50 years.
Even now they are not prepared to face the election on their own. If they are all set to face election alone, then the BJP is also ready. There is no second opinion that all political parties should contest alone. But, this has become impossible in an era of coalition politics. So, we are also taking steps to forge an alliance.
Q: What will be BJP’s major poll issues this time?
A: Future Tamil Nadu. A Tamil Nadu, that is liquor-free and economically vibrant. We will ensure more development to the State and simultaneously promote livelihood - employment opportunities through skill development.
Q: Is it possible to totally eliminate liquor sale - consumption and declare TN a dry state?
A: Foremost is self-confidence. First, we should create the right atmosphere for the people to get weaned away from alcohol consumption. Encouraging people (involved in producing liquor) to take up alternate employment and creating a market to sell the products will help.
Q: What kind of development do you envisage for Tamil Nadu?
A: It is the government’s duty to create the wherewithal for prosperity. This is what the BJP government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership is doing. This good work will percolate to Tamil Nadu too if our party is elected to power.
Q: Would you unveil any special plan for TN?
A: The government at the Centre is engaged in efforts to make India the number one country in the world. Numerous projects and welfare schemes will be brought to Tamil Nadu to make our State the number one in the country in all spheres of development.
If the pace of development has to be sustained, Tamil Nadu people should give a decisive mandate for BJP this election.
