DMK may not back old friend Barnala for the vice-presidency

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam may not back Akali Dal leader Surjit Singh Barnala for the vice-presidency.

The DMK is indebted to Barnala, who was the Tamil Nadu governor for being a solid ally when the Chandra Shekhar government in New Delhi wanted to sack its government in January 1991. The DMK's critics claimed the party was close to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, whose agents allegedly killed former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in Sriperumbudur that May.

"We are eternally grateful to Barnala for standing by the state government while he was the governor during the crucial period," said a senior DMK leader. "Our sympathies are with him," he said, but added that the party could not risk supporting him and have people remember Barnala stood by the DMK when it was accused of associating with the LTTE.

The DMK government was dismissed then, over Barnala's protests, and was routed in the assembly election that followed.

"We do not want to get caught in any controversy over the issue," says the DMK leader. He also expressed some worry about the Jain Commission probe into security lapses that may have made things easier for Rajiv Gandhi's assassins.

"I am not sure which way the Commission's findings will go when it comes to the DMK, but as the ruling party months before the assassination, we are bound to get a mention," he said. The DMK does not want to aggravate matters now by backing Barnala for the vice-presidency.

The DMK leader said the BJP had commissioned Barnala to seek the party's backing for the Vajpayee national government last year.

"We did not yield then, nor will we yield now, though there is a better case this time since Barnala himself is the candidate." According to him, the DMK's interests would be better served if it went along with its other partners in the United Front, without striking a discordant note on an issue of little political importance.

"We would not like to be seen as the party starting off dissidence within the Gujral government," the DMK leader said, adding "Nor are we blind to the fact that a UF-Congress alliance could sail through the vice-presidential elections without difficulty. Why then should we waste our efforts, and become suspect in the eyes of our UF partners if Barnala does not win the elections, ultimately?"

Of course, the DMK may not be averse to backing Barnala's candidature if the UF itself favours him.

"We would rather like it that way, than feel isolated on the issue... It will serve the purpose of none, least of all that of Barnala," he said.

The Akali leader has not formally approached the DMK but if he does, the DMK leader said, the party would explain its 'position'. "We are sure, he will understand our position and appreciate it as well," he added.

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