CHENNAI: CPM, a key constituent of the India bloc, on Thursday invited DMK to join the alliance’s planned protests across the country against chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, DMK remains undecided on the invitation, with senior leaders reluctant to join hands with what they describe as “betrayers.”The move followed discussions at the India bloc meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, where the Congress leadership is learnt to have authorised alliance partners to invite parties opposed to BJP but not part of the bloc to join the agitation.“I call upon DMK leaders to participate in the proposed agitation to safeguard democracy, ensure free and fair elections and restore people’s voting rights,” CPM state secretary P Shanmugam said, appealing to “democratic forces” to come together.The CPM’s outreach to DMK comes against the backdrop of the Left party’s increasingly critical stance towards the TVK govt. CPM has warned that it could reconsider its unconditional support if the govt proceeds with its plan to construct a new secretariat complex at Foreshore Estate, which the party says could harm the interests of fishermen. The party claimed that its support to the TVK govt was to prevent the imposition of governor’s rule and stop the BJP from gaining power. On Tuesday, the CPM strongly criticised the TVK govt for organising a dance event in Rameswaram that promoted symbols associated with a religion.CPM leaders said a meeting of alliance partners would be held in the state to discuss the series of protests planned by the front. The question of inviting other parties is also expected to come up for discussion.“As of now, there is no plan to participate. Our leadership will take a call,” a DMK leader said.
