Unfulfilled election promises may turn sections of the electorate against the ruling DMK, warned Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary P. Shanmugam on Saturday.
Mr. Shanmugam told presspersons that the DMK government must ensure implementation of all of its election promises. “Government employees, teachers, and Tangedco staff are among those deeply dissatisfied. The government is aware of this,” he said.
Referring to the demand for the restoration of the old pension scheme, he said: “The DMK promised its implementation. However, a committee was formed only in the last year of its tenure, with a nine-month deadline to submit a report. By then, the next election will be announced. Hence, those affected by unfulfilled promises could turn against the DMK.”
While Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had claimed that 78% of poll promises had been fulfilled, Mr. Shanmugam said the remaining pledges should be implemented within a year. “We believe they will deliver,” he said.
Dismissing claims that CPI(M)’s criticisms could weaken the DMK alliance, he said, “Expressing our opinions on public welfare issues does not mean the alliance is breaking. No one within the alliance, including VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, has taken a definitive stand.”
Regarding the Vengaivayal case, Mr. Shanmugam criticised the government’s approach. “Without direct evidence, the victims themselves are being accused,” he said and reiterated the party’s demand for transferring the case to the CBI.
On the Thirupparankundram controversy, Mr. Shanmugam accused pro-Hindu organisations of inciting communal unrest, asserting that the long-standing practice of Hindus offering sacrifices at the Sikandar Dargah was now being politicised. He defended the imposition of Section 144 to prevent tensions and criticised the BJP for challenging the restrictions in court.
Published – February 08, 2025 07:27 pm IST