Cong plays down DMK threat, says hike unavoidable

Congress spokesperson Renuka Chowdhury has reacted to threats by DMK Chief Karunanidhi to pull out of the government if it continued to implement ‘anti people policies’ like the recent petrol price hike.

“It was not our intention to upset allies. Do you think we wanted to take this decision? We did not have a choice but to increase petrol prices to ensure that India has a sound economic future”, Chowdhury said, adding that the world economic situation gave the government little choice but to act.

Chowdhury added that she understood that the DMK was upset, saying that coalition politics was constantly evolving. “It was not our intention to upset our allies, but we are willing to sit and discuss ways to ensure the smoother functioning of the coalition”, she said. She also called the DMK a valuable ally and said that the party did not see Karunanidhi’s statement as a threat.

“This is not about saving the government, but saving the nation. Sometimes have to hurt to help to build sustainable future”, Chowdhury added.

Karunanidhi’s statement was made at a public rally to protest the massive fuel hike. “If this government continues to violate the fundamental principles of the Dravidian movement, we will have no hesitation in separating from the UPA alliance”, said Karunanidhi at a public rally.

The DMK has made similar statements in the past, most notably over the 2G scam and the UN resolution on human rights violations in Sri Lanka. If the UPA does lose the support of the party it will fall short of a majority in Parliament by a significant 13 seats, as the DMK has 18 parliamentarians.