The MDMK led by maverick politician Vaiko, which is also a constituent of the BJP-led NDA in Tamil Nadu sprang a surprise on Saturday by declaring that it would rename the country as the United States of India if the NDA comes to power at the Centre.
Vaiko, general secretary of the party said though the Indian Constitution promised a “federal governance structure” the entire power is concentrated in the hands of the Central Government. “We also want a thorough review of the Constitution,” said Vaiko while speaking to reporters after the release of the MDMK manifesto.
The MDMK manifesto has many features which are sure to put the NDA in a state of embarrassment. It has promised to lift the ban on the liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, the terrorist outfit which killed former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. The MDMK has also demanded a referendum on creation of a separate Eelam for Tamils in Sri lanka. “The referendum would be held in places where lankan Tamils live,” says the MDMK manifesto. Interestingly, Tamils in the island nation had asked politicians in Tamil Nadu not to rake up the Eelam issue as it would antagonise the Sinhalas.
The MDMK manifesto said the party would ensure the shut down of the two nuclear power plants built at Koodankulam with Russian assistance. The first reactor of 1000 MW has gone operational and is expected to yield power to the national grid shortly. The Nuclear Power Corporation of India ltd (NPCIl) has almost completed the second unit (1000 MW) and it is expected to go critical (fully operational) by 2014 end. But the MDMK, would shout down both these plants and also make the NPCIl wind up its plans to build four more reactors at Koodankulam.
Another promise made by the MDMK to the people of Tamil Nadu is that it would ensure the appointment of Tamils as Indian ambassadors to countries where there are considerable Tamil population. The MDMK would also abolish death penalty.
The MDMK, known for its Tamil chauvinistic stance, has called for inter-linking of major Indian reivers, a dream project launched by former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee during his tenure in 1998 to 2004 but which was put on hold by the Manmohan Singh government.
Speaking to reporters after the release of the manifesto, Vaiko, whose original name is Vayyapuri Gopalasamy, said Narendra Modi would become the Prime Minister even without the support of the 39 MPs from Tamil Nadu. “There is an immense Modi wave across the country. He will become Prime Minister even without taking Tamil Nadu and Pudussery’s 40 seats into account,” he said.
Vaiko, who is contesting from the southern Virudhunagar constituency has made it known that he would join the Union Cabinet led by Modi.