AIADMK will not compromise on state rights, says Jayakumar

CHENNAI: Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar on Monday said they would not compromise on the State autonomy. The party, which follows the footsteps of Dravidian icon and former chief minister CN Annadurai, would air their voice for the State’s rights.

“We are following the footsteps of Anna (C N Annadurai), Thalaivar (MGR) and Amma (J Jayalalithaa), who raised their voice for State autonomy. Anna said coalition government at the Centre and autonomy for the State. We strictly follow this and we will never compromise on the rights of the State,” Jayakumar told reporters when sought his response on the frequent visits of Union Ministers to the State to take stock of the centrally sponsored schemes.

He, however, said the ruling party should make their stand public in this regard.

Party deputy general secretary K P Munusamy on Saturday criticised the BJP for sending the Union Ministers to the State for reviewing the government schemes and said the national party should avoid such “gimmicks” to make an inroad in the state. Munusamy further said the BJP’s approach was not “healthy” and it would affect the functioning of the government officials, who would be caught between the State and Central governments.