DMK, PMK reach point of no return

With less than 24 hours left for the high-level Policy Implementation Committee meet of the DMK to take a decision whether to continue ties with the PMK, it seems that Dr S Ramadoss, the supremo of the Vanniyar-backed party PMK, would take a decision to walk out of the DPA alliance by then.

As an indication to this, an urgent Executive Committee meeting of the PMK was convened today at Thailapuram Gardens near Villupuram. It is expected that the top team would give powers to Ramadoss to decide on the issue.

Though PMK sources claimed that the meet was not an emergency one, party circles said that it was organised with a sole motive to discuss on the future course action of the party, as Chief Minister and DMK supremo M Karunanidhi on Friday made known the mood in the DMK camp about the PMK.

It is said that those who spoke in the PMK meet came down heavily on the ‘big brother attitude’ of the ruling DMK. They also reportedly alleged that the DMK government was not ready to constitute a welfare board for Vanniyars, even after it set up one for the gypsies.

Stating that attempts were being made by the DMK to portray PMK as one that always stood for violence, one of the senior leaders of the party reportedly said, ‘they are just unable to respond politically to issues and arguments made by the PMK in people’s fora. And they are also unable to stomach the popularity of the PMK among the public.’

Meanwhile, journalists were not kept off the Executive Committee meeting. When asked, PMK office- bearers said, ‘there will be no important decision today. If any, we will inform you without fail.’

Expectations are on a high in the DMK circles that the PMK would be shown the exit door at the High-level Policy Implementation Committee meet of the party in Chennai tomorrow.

According to sources in the party, ‘Our leader, who is always known for patience and maintaining smooth relationship with allies, is irked by the attitude of the PMK. Hence, they will be made to walk out of the alliance.’