DMK, AIADMK cross swords over alliance question

CHENNAI: Ruling AIADMK and DMK today took on each other in the House over forging electoral alliance with other political parties for the coming Assembly polls.

Participating in the debate on the Governor's address, DMK MLA J Anbazhagan alleged that water from the Chembarambakkam Reservoir here was not released at the appropriate time during the floods last month.

Intervening, PWD Minister O Panneerselvam dismissed the charges as imaginary and reeled out statistics and said correct and timely steps were taken according to the rules to handle the situation.

He said false accusations were being made by Opposition parties like the DMK for political reasons. "This (accusations) would boomerang on you," he said.

DMK Deputy leader Duraimurugan said government may come up with as many explanations it wants, people, however would not accept them. He asked if the AIADMK could seek votes in flood-hit areas. At this, Panneerselvam said ,"this is not a challenge, this is ostentatious, empty talk."

Housing Minister R Vaithilingam said it was DMK which was begging for allies and AIADMK regime under stewardship of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had people's support.

Duraimurugan, pointing to smaller allies of AIADMK like Forward Bloc in the House, asked if the ruling party could go it alone in the elections without the support of such parties.