'DMDK open for tie-up with any party for welfare of Tamils'

In the wake of reports that DMDK was in talks with Congress for clinching an alliance for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, its party chief Vijayakanth today announced that he was open for a tie up with political parties, which are ready to accept his leadership.

"I am ready to forge an alliance with any political party for the welfare of Tamils and Tamil Nadu. Whether it is BJP or Congress...Let them accept my leadership," Vijayakath told a press conference here.

He, however, refused to reply to questions on Yercaud Assembly bye-elections in Tamil Nadu on December 4, which the DMDK is not contesting. "I am not afraid of contesting in Yercaud. How our party's entry into the poll fray in the bye-elections and winning the constituency would bring about a change?" he asked.

The actor-turned-politician was in Delhi to campaign for his party candidates, who were fielded in 11 constituencies of the national capital.

He said DMDK would emerge victorious in Delhi.

Vijayakanth favoured a constitutional amendment for enhancing benefits for people belonging to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, who have migrated from Tamil Nadu to Delhi.

"An amendment should be passed in the Legislative Assembly. It is an issue concerning two states," the Leader of the Opposition in Tamil Nadu demanded.

Noting that the living conditions of Tamils in Delhi was pathetic, he alleged that though several political parties have assured many things (for improving their living conditions), nothing has been done.