CHENNAI: Addressing a massive crowd during from a stage that was set like the State Assembly, leaders of the six-party Third Front promised a corruption-free administration if voted to power, claiming that they had the support of the youth who are eager to vote for change. The alliance did not release the candidate list as was expected, which, leaders said, would be declared in the coming couple of days.
The de facto leader of the alliance, DMDK founder Vijayakant, said this was the only viable alternative to both AIADMK and DMK that have been alternating in power for the past over five decades. During his rather short speech, he stoutly denied allegations that the ruling AIADMK had paid bribe to leaders of the coalition so as to split the rival votes.
His wife and the star campaigner of the party, Premalatha, said the coalition would be voted to power and would run a corruption-free government.
“Unlike other political parties, no leader in this front has a single corruption taint against their names despite holding key ministerial roles at the State and the Centre in the past,” she said.
Referring to the rebels who had floated a new political party, Makkal DMDK, earlier in the day, she said that they have betrayed the trust the leadership had placed on them. Replying to allegations that she was responsible for the wrong turn the DMDK took in alliance matters and that Vijayakant had lost control over the party, she said ‘Captain’ has always been the only person steering the ship.
Alliance coordinator and MDMK general secretary Vaiko said that the crowd reminded him of the 1967 meeting at Virugambakkam addressed by DMK founder and former Chief Minister C N Annadurai. He could see similar hopes of change on the face of the people, who, he said, would take their CM candidate, Vijayakant, to Fort St George after elections.
During his lengthy speech filled with anecdotes, Vaiko promised introduction of Lokayukta Act to check corruption, single window system for businessmen, prohibition and closure of nuclear power plants in Tamil Nadu.
Praising Vijayakant’s attempt to support the cause of the oppressed and farmers, VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan said Vijayakant’s success in the 2016 elections will be considered as his own success. Under his rule, the oppressed would get the share they deserve, he added.
The latest entrant into the alliance, TMC chief, G K Vasan said that the alliance’s victory would be people’s victory, particularly the youth who wished change. During their coalition rule, he added, even if any one of the leaders committed a mistake, the others would correct the course.
Both leaders from the Left, CPI State secretary, R Mutharasan and his CPM counterpart, G Ramakrishnan’s speeches focused on problems faced by farmers and assured to waive off farmers’ loans once they came to power.
The leaders also promised that the State would bear all education loans acquired by students and steps would be taken to address issues related to unemployment.