October 22, 2008
 

The DMK's ancestral property

Does the DMK think public money is its ancestral property? Crores of rupees are wasted when by-elections are conducted. If a sitting MLA or MP dies, then it's tough to argue against a by-election. But when the incumbent resigns in protest (over Telengana or Kaveri, for e.g.), then that is totally unacceptable.

Over the past few days, DMK MPs from Tamil Nadu, including the CM's daughter Kanimozhi & Kalanidhi Maran, have submitted their resignations to Mr. Karunanidhi. If the Union Government doesn't act as per the demands of the all-party meet last week, the resignations will be forwarded to the presiding officers of the houses of Parliament.

Who bears the cost of the resulting by-election? Will the DMK bear the expenses? Of course not. When there are so many more important issues to act upon, such as the pathetic electricity supply situation in the state and the unused flyovers constructed at a huge cost (the Usman Road one, for e.g.), to focus on the plight of people who aren't even Indian citizens reeks of selfishness, political opportunism, diversionary tactics and rank incompetence.

Similar questions can also be asked about the BJP, in Karnataka, forcing Cong (I) and JD (S) legislators to resign as MLAs, and join the BJP government, in order to circumvent the defection laws.

Labels: dmk, india, politics, resignation, tamil nadu