‘AIADMK respected the public mandate’
CHENNAI: Even as Shiv Sena, a key ally of the BJP, abstained from the no-confidence motion, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which is not a constituent of the ruling NDA voted in favour of the BJP government defeating the no-confidence motion moved by Telugu Desam Party. AIADMK MP and deputy speaker of Lok Sabha M Thambidurai on Saturday spoke to CS
Kotteswaran on why the third largest party in LS voted for BJP. Edited excerpts:
AIADMK had been opposing the Centre and saying it is being discriminated, then why did the party vote in favour of BJP?
The AIADMK wanted to respect the public mandate which elected BJP with full majority, so why disrupt the public sentiment. When there are polls scheduled after six months what is the need to stop the BJP from completing its five-year term. This applies also to Tamil Nadu where the AIADMK has the public mandate and should be allowed to complete five years term.
What is your take on BJP moving privilege motion against Rahul Gandhi and the hug by Rahul to PM Modi?
After slamming the government and PM, Rahul Gandhi staged the unexpected drama by hugging Modi. But, in my personal opinion, Rahul spoke well in the house. He was confident this time when compared to his previous speeches. PM Modi also took a jibe at Congress president saying that Rahul wanted his (PM) chair which the public has given to him through elections. This should be taken in a lighter vein and need not be a debatable issue.
Has TN changed its stand on issues which it initially opposed the BJPled Centre?
TN has not changed its stand on any state issues, but when 325 votes are in favour, where is the question of defeating the union government. Earlier too we were also opposing the idea to scrap the University Grants Commission, which was initiated by the former Congress minister Kapil Sibal during the previous UPA regime.
The DMK leader Stalin has alleged that the BJP and the AIADMK have entered into an arrangement?
The Congress and the DMK did not support the setting up of the Cauvery management board. Recently we wanted to bring a no-confidence motion against the centre, but the Congress and other state (parties) did not come forward for TN’s cause. Now, why should TN support the motion brought out by Andhra seeking special status?
Will the AIADMK have an alliance with BJP for LS polls?
The alliance and poll strategies will be decided by the party high command at the time of polls.
The BJP wants simultaneous polls for LS and Assembly. What is the AIADMK’s status?
We are against simultaneous polls and we will oppose any such move. The alliance and poll strategies will be decided by the party high command at the time of polls.