DMK is vital to keep fascist forces away: CPM

Chennai: CPM state secretary P Shanmugam on Tuesday said DMK was crucial to keep “fascist forces” away from TN. “To fight the religious politics of BJP, the DMK is an important force,” Shanmugam told reporters in Chennai.

Dismissing speculations of any tiff with DMK, Shanmugam said his party had always stood with the common people, and it was nothing new for them to raise their issues.

Responding to DMK leader A Raja's remark that left leaders have become “selfish”, he said there was no basis for the allegation and did not wish to comment further.

Shanmugam sought chief minister Stalin’s personal intervention to allow democratic protests in the state and reiterated the need for the govt to come up with a ‘master plan’ to address poll promises that are unmet even after four years.

Shanmugam demanded houses for those living on poromboke land as well as reduction in property taxes and electricity tariff. Calling protests an essential element of democracy, Shanmugam added, “If the issues are not addressed, the CPM will protest to urge the govt to provide relief.”