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PMK snubs Jaya, supports Rabri's dismissal

The Pattali Makkal Katchi, a constituent of the front led by the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in Tamil Nadu, today differed with AIADMK supremo Jayalalitha Jayaram to say it would vote to ratify the imposition of President's rule in Bihar when the motion comes up in Parliament. But the party endorsed Jayalalitha's demand for dismissal of the DMK government in Tamil Nadu.

The PMK's stand is in contrast to Union Law Minister and AIADMK member M Thambidurai's reported assertion that his party would not support the imposition of President's rule in Bihar if the DMK government is not also dismissed under Article 356 of the Constitution.

After some hesitation, Jayalalitha had endorsed Thambidurai's view.

PMK founder-leader Dr S Ramadoss said in Madras that his party welcomed the Union cabinet's decision to recommend the imposition of President's rule in Bihar. But he added that since the reasons cited for the Bihar government's dismissal exist in Tamil Nadu also, similar action should be taken in the South Indian state.

Ramadoss said bomb culture, private armies, an illegal weapons trade, caste clashes, illicit distillation of liquor, and mercenary killings are widespread in Tamil Nadu. The administration is in a shambles and corruption is rampant. Moreover, the DMK has lost the people's mandate as shown by the outcome of the general election earlier this year.

But unlike in Bihar, where the Union Cabinet has recommended keeping the state assembly in suspended animation, in Tamil Nadu the assembly should be dissolved and a fresh election held, he said.

UNI

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