Chennai, July 15:
CPI State Secretary R Veerapandian on Tuesday said the party would consider joining the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government’s cabinet if the political situation warranted such a move.
Speaking to reporters before flagging off a protest march from Hosur in Krishnagiri district against Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project, Veerapandian said any decision to join the Ministry would depend on evolving political circumstances. “If the situation requires, we will join the cabinet. It will also provide an opportunity for a representative from this soil to become a minister,” he said.
He added that the Communist parties could also opt to contest the upcoming local body elections independently if necessary. “Such decisions will be taken in consultation with other democratic forces,” he noted.
Reacting to reports of political defections, Veerapandian criticised the practice of horse-trading, describing it as a trend seen in certain northern states. “Whoever indulges in horse-trading is unacceptable,” he asserted.
Reiterating the party’s strong opposition to the Mekedatu dam, he warned that the project would severely impact Tamil Nadu. “The dam will devastate nearly 25 lakh acres of Delta farmland and affect the State’s drinking water sources. It is Karnataka’s responsibility to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and drop plans for the dam,” he said.
The protest march, organised jointly by the CPI and the Tamil Nadu Farmers Association, is aimed at mobilising public opinion against the proposed project.