CHENNAI:Leaders of the Joint Movement for People’s Front have alleged that attempts are being made to tarnish their image as their protests for prohibition are getting people’s support. The Joint Movement for People’s Front is constituted of members and leaders of five parties - Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), CPI, CPI(M), and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK).
VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavn, CPM State secretary G Ramakrishnan and CPI State secretary R Mutharasan charged that a mischievous campaign was being made against MDMK general secretary Vaiko and Thirumavalavan to divert the anti-liquor protests.
Thirumavalavan said some pictures showing as if he were drinking liquor are being circulated in social media and asserted that he had not tasted liquor in his life.
The leaders of the Joint Movement for People’s Front also said that since none of them face corruption charges, it alone has the locus-standi to fight corruption.
All the leaders except Vaiko lashed out at the PMK and asked why its Chief Ministerial candidate Anbumani Ramadoss had not opposed the BJP in Parliament on the issue of corruption. Both the Left leaders charged the PMK leader Anbumani with corruption and alleged that the party was practising casteist politics. Mutharasan, likened the front to the Pandava army with five leaders and described the next Assembly elections as a Mahabharath battle. Ramakrishnan endorsed Mutharasan’s views, while Thirumavalavan clarified that the front was essentially formed to fight for 15 demands including justice for Sri Lankan Tamils.
Vaiko backed Thirumavalavan’s views and said the State politics would not move without the five parties and asserted that it would transform the political scene.