Chinks In Admk Front

Chinks appear to have developed in the AIADMK-led front in Tamil Nadu on Jayalalithas demand for dismissal of the DMK government with one of its constituents PMK yesterday disfavouring imposition of Presidents rule in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, PMK president S Ramadoss said his party was not in favour of invoking Article 356 in Tamil Nadu, but favoured the Karunanidhi government resigning on its own to pave the way for fresh elections in view of DMKs drubbing in the last Lok Sabha poll.

The AIADMK supremo has demanded dismissal of the DMK government accusing it of failing to maintain law and order.

Replying to a question, Ramadoss said AIADMK and its allies might raise the issue of resignation of Ramakrishna Hegde and Ram Jethmalani at the May 9 coordination committee meeting of BJP-led ruling combine.

He said his party supported the demand, initially hinted at by Jayalalitha, for the resignation of L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharati who are facing charges in the Babri Masjid demolition case.

Asked if constant pressure by AIADMK would weaken the coalition government at the Centre, he asserted that the Vajpayee government would not only complete its full term but also introduce more socio-political changes than the previous Congress and UF governments.

Ramadoss denied Jayalalitha was taking unilateral decisions and making announcements without consulting alliance partners and claimed there was perfect understanding between them.