CHENNAI: CPM State secretary G Ramakrishnan on Saturday announced that he, along with Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam leader P Shanmugam, would be taking part in the all-party meeting convened by the DMK on Sunday to discuss the issues faced by farmers.
“Farmers of the State have been facing unprecedented problems. I appeal to all political parties to take part in this meeting.” Asked what forced him to change his mind to attend the meeting since the CPM did not participate in the all-party called by DMK last time, Ramakrishnan said, “in the present situation a united struggle is necessary to fulfil the rights of the farmers.” He also clarified that attending the meeting would not mean that CPM had no differences of opinion with the DMK.
Meanwhile, office-bearers of trade unions – LPF, CITU, MMS, AITUC and AIUTUC – called on Stalin and requested him to support the one-day general strike called for April 22 by these unions in support of the drought-hit farmers and farm labourers.