No force can shake DMK-led SPA: DMK president MK Stalin

Describing the reports in a section of the media about DMK planning to contest in over 200 seats as ‘unnecessary’ and ‘motivated’, Stalin said that some forces have swung into action to disturb the harmony of the alliance before the Assembly elections.

Remarking that debates were being conducted based on assumption that DMK would contest over 200 seats, Stalin, in a statement, said that it was their practice to negotiate not once or twice, but thrice before finalising the seat numbers. “Don’t know why they are in such a hurry. This is not worthy of debate even. People of Tamil Nadu know well that assumption about DMK contesting over 200 seats even before the seats are finalised and debates on the same were not only unnecessary, they are also done with a motive,” Stalin said, adding that it was amusing that debates were done, targeting the SPA.

In another statement, Stalin expressed shock at Anna University Vice Chancellor Surappa writing to the Centre on making the varsity an “Institute of Excellence” and said that Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami should immediately recommend the governor to sack Surappa for unilaterally writing to the Centre in violation of state financial rights and against reservation.

Wondering if the CM gave his consent to the VC to write to Centre, Stalin cited reports suggesting that the VC had informed Centre that the varsity could mop up its financial resources and not rely on state funds. Alleging that it was not a unilateral act of the VC and it appears to be a collusion of the VC, CM and Governor to saffronise Anna varsity, Stalin said the CM should clarify if the VC gave his consent for the letter during his visit to the Raj Bhavan. Stalin also cautioned that the party’s students wing would launch protests if the CM did not act hastily on the issue of the Anna Varsity VC’s letter to the Centre.