Denial of Rajya Sabha seat to Vaiko won't affect alliance, says Durai Vaiko
MDMK principal secretary and Tiruchi MP Durai Vaiko on Friday said the 'denial' of a Rajya Sabha seat to MDMK general secretary Vaiko [though there was no formal agreement with the DMK on this] had hurt the party cadre and office-bearers, but it would have no bearing on the DMK-led alliance (of which the party is a constituent) in the State.
Addressing journalists in Tiruchi, Mr. Durai Vaiko said the party cadre, office-bearers, and well wishers, who were disappointed over the Rajya Sabha seat, expressed concern on various platforms, including social media. 'Mr. Vaiko, in his 61 years of public life, was held in high regard by the people and State and national leaders, including many Prime Ministers. He was at the forefront in protecting the interest of Tamils and Tamil Nadu. Many wanted him to be renominated to the Rajya Sabha to raise his voice for the Tamils. Though the cadres were disappointed, the MDMK would get over it in the interest of the State,' he added.
To a question, Mr. Durai Vaiko said the MDMK was allotted a Lok Sabha seat and a Rajya Sabha seat during the seat allocation negotiation with the DMK in 2019. It was allotted a Lok Sabha seat in 2024 and, according to him, the DMK leadership had said a Rajya Sabha seat would be allotted at an appropriate time. When the MDMK insisted on a formal announcement, the DMK leaders had assured the party that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would take a favourable stand, especially when it came to Mr. Vaiko's nomination, he alleged.
When asked whether it would lead to the break up of the DMK-led alliance in the State in the run up to the Assembly election, Mr. Durai Vaiko said it would not have any bearing on the alliance. Mr. Vaiko was offered a Cabinet berth at the Centre thrice. But, he declined the offers as he was not after posts or positions. Hence, the alliance would continue in the interest of the State, he said.
Condemns 'Hindi imposition'
Meanwhile, in a statement, Mr. Durai Vaiko condemned the All India Radio for broadcasting Hindi programmes on its 102.1 FM station in Tiruchi in the nights.
While Tamil programmes were broadcast between 5.50 a.m. and 11 p.m., the FM station switched over to Hindi programmes from 11 p.m. It was nothing but an attempt to impose Hindi in the State, he said
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