'On corruption, no difference between two Dravidian parties'

Categorically ruling out a poll alliance with the DMK, CPM state secretaryG Ramakrishnan tells Meera Vankipuram that he did not see any difference between the two main Dravidian parties on the issue of corruption or policy matters.
You have been steadfast against an alliance with the DMK, in the wake of the 2G scam. What is the compulsion now to share a platform with them?
As far as CPM is concerned, on people's issues like drought or the fight against communalism, we are ready to share a platform with regional parties like the DMK.We always do that. We joined the DMK and other secular parties on drought issue and together we gave a call for bandh on April 25. That's our approach.
Does this signal a future 'grand alliance' with DMK, Congress and other regional parties?
No. On people's issues we come together. For electoral alliances, we have to consider economic, social issues, corruption. When either DMK or AIADMK come to power, they implement the same policies pursued by either Congress or the BJP. On social issues, the DMK, AIADMK have given up what Periyar fought for. So on social issues also we cannot agree with them. On corruption, we don't see any difference.
DMK working president M K Stalin has said that the bandh was the launch pad for a grand alliance comprising all parties including the CPI and CPM. Your comments?
It may be his opinion, but it is not the opinion of the CPM.
The left parties are fast losing ground and grip in TN. Is this an indication CPM's weakening across the country?
We don't agree that only because a party has representation in assembly, it is an indication of growth. That's not a yardstick. In TN, more than any other political party, CPM has taken up people's issues. Our struggle on the Thamirabarani river (supplying water to multinationals) issue is an example.
Coming back to alliances, is a tie-up with the DMK in the offing? An alliance of convenience and necessity to take on BJP?
We have to fight the BJP on cultural, ideological and all fronts. We cannot fight them only in elections. Regional parties like DMK and AIADMK have, in the past, participated with the BJP in the Centre. In the future, one can't tell what they will do.