MDMK backs Jaya for PM's post, slams Karuna

Chennai: MDMK on Monday made a strong pitch for AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa for the prime minister's post asserting that she was a "fit candidate" and the party would raise its voice in her support when the occasion arose.

"We will cross the bridge when it comes.. but when the occasion arises, I will raise my voice in her support," MDMK chief Vaiko said after releasing party manifesto for the Lok Sabha polls in Chennai.

MDMK is a key ally of AIADMK.

Hailing Jayalalithaa's "dynamism and versatile capabilities" Vaiko said: "She can deliver her thoughts to the people of India in different languages. She deserves to be a fit candidate for the PM's post."

Vaiko's remarks come days after Jayalalithaa said that she was not in the race for prime ministership, as she "doesn't have any personal ambitions".

When pointed out Jayalalithaa herself had declared that she had no aspirations to become prime minister, Vaiko said, "She may not have any aspirations. But we will raise our voice."

On BJP leader L K Advani's remarks hinting at post-poll tie-up with AIADMK, Vaiko said, Jayalalithaa had herself denied such reports and had termed them as "baseless."

Keeping her post-poll options open, Jayalalithaa had said last week that it was premature to talk of what will happen after the polls, but a "good politician never rules out anything."

Vaiko termed as "drama" the appeal by DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to the Centre asking it to snap diplomatic ties with Sri Lanka if it failed to honour India's request for a ceasefire.

"I had made the demand a year back. But Karunanidhi is making such statements with an eye on votes," he said.

Citing reports from the conflict zone, he said Tamils were being forced to live on a "glass of gruel a day... they were in danger of dying of starvation".

Vaiko alleged that the Sri Lankan army was dropping bombs banned by international community.

The MDMK chief, who is contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Virudhunagar, said he will file his nomination on April 23. The MDMK has been alloted four seats under the seat-sharing arrangement among the AIADMK front partners.