Stalin scotches speculation on DMK tying up with BJP

Scotching speculation that DMK was getting close to BJP, M.K. Stalin on Wednesday said the "dream" of some people of such a possibility cannot be realised and warned the Modi government that DMK will not be cowed down by any threats in its opposition to the Centre on demonetisation and other issues.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling on his ailing father and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi in Chennai on Monday was a "humanitarian" gesture and nothing more than that. 

Wearing a black shirt along with cadre of DMK and allies, Stalin broke his silence on the issue while speaking at the Opposition-sponsored "Black Day" protests here. The DMK had called off the protests in Chennai and coastal districts because of heavy rains.

"The PM called on Kalaignar (Karunanidhi). It was a humanitarian gesture. Immediately media speculated as if some compromise has been reached. People even went to the extent of saying a political alliance has been struck (between DMK and BJP). A humanitarian gesture has been twisted by some whose dream will not be allowed to be realised," he said.

The meeting between Modi and Karunanidhi had triggered media and political speculation that the DMK could join hands with Modi amidst a political churning in Tamil Nadu after the death of J. Jayalalithaa and the serious infighting in the ruling AIADMK.

Coming down heavily on the Modi government on demonetisation, Stalin said the decision to junk high-value notes last year on this day came as a bolt from the blue at midnight. "The country secured independence at midnight and lost it too at midnight," he said, referring to Modi's speech in the night last year announcing the demonetisation.

He said that demonetisation had affected small and micro industries sector and wondered whether the three aims of the action - on black money, terror funding and elimination of fake notes -- have been achieved.

The Goods and Services Tax and demonetisation have affected all sections of people and the protests, along with like-minded parties, were to point out the ill effects of demonetisation to the central government.

"Today's protests are not the end of it. We will continue to warn the Modi government and we will not be cowed down by any threats," he said.

Stalin also read out slogans to be repeated by the protesters that asked questions like "What happened to the promise of ending black money" and "We condemn the Modi government".

Recalling the days in the aftermath of demonetisation, Stalin said even a coolie worker had to wait endlessly in the queues before banks to get some money. "People in need of emergency surgery stood in ATM queues," he said. 

Stalin's sister Kanimozhi led protesters in Coimbatore while party General Secretary Durai Murugan staged protests in Tiruchirapalli. Protests were also staged in other districts.