MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Tuesday said the party’s “winter” phase was over and a “spring” was approaching, signalling that important decisions would be taken in the coming days.
He was speaking at a wedding reception in Nellikuppam for Adithya–Rama, hosted by the party’s town secretary. Vaiko said the party may not have always secured electoral victories, but had continued to fight on core issues.
Listing past campaigns, he referred to the party’s stand on Mullaperiyar, the Sterlite plant issue and efforts to oppose the privatisation of Neyveli Lignite Corporation. He also said the party was among the first to protest the Mekedatu dam issue.
Vaiko alleged that in the Sterlite matter, the plant management had influenced several parties, but could not sway him. He recalled that the MDMK exited an alliance after former Sri Lankan President Rajapaksa attended the event marking Narendra Modi taking charge as Prime Minister.
Addressing cadre concerns, Vaiko said party workers felt hurt after spending nine years in the DMK-led alliance, claiming the MDMK did not receive adequate seats, could not contest under its own symbol and lacked due recognition. He urged cadres not to worry and said the party’s general council would take a “good decision” to protect self-respect and dignity.
