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PMK leader goes on fast, blames DMK-BSP for statue desecration

Pattali Makkal Katchi founder-leader Dr S Ramadoss commenced a fast on Tuesday morning demanding action against Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Dr K Ponmudi and three local Bahujan Samaj Party leaders who, he alleged, were behind the desecration of the statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar at Tindivanam, 120 km from Madras, on Saturday last.

According to reports, Dr Ramadoss commenced the fast, along with his supporters, at 0700 hrs at Tindivanam.

In a statement issued by the PMK office here, Dr Ramadoss alleged that Dr Ponmudi, Tindivanam town DMK leader Chinnadurai, two local BSP leaders -- Stephan Raj and Raman -- and BSP candidate for Tindivanam constituency Jayapalan, were behind the desecration and the resultant tension.

In a statement in Madars, Dr Ponmudi blamed the PMK for the desecration which, he alleged, had been stage-managed to prevent Madras mayor M K Stalin and actress Radhika from campaigning at Tindivanam. Ramadoos was trying to shift the blame on the DMK and Dalits leaders for the desecration and exploit the issue for political purposes.

Dr Ponmudi said he was a practitioner of the principles of both Periyar E V Ramasamy and Dr Ambedkar and held the leaders in high esteem. "I have nothing to do with the uncivilised act of desecration, and hence there is no need for me to apologise as demanded by Dr Ramadoss," he added.

UNI

Elections '98

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