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In yet-another-display of support to the AIADMK regime in Tamil Nadu on a ticklish issue, the MDMK, a partner in the ruling NDA at the Centre, has taken exception to the Vajpayee government seeking the services of three IPS officers belonging to the state cadre.
"The Centre's move is against healthy precedents in Centre-state relations and the federal polity envisaged in the Constitution," MDMK general secretary Vaiko told newspersons in Madras on Saturday.
He dubbed the Centre's move 'unprecedented'.
"As a regional party, the MDMK always stands for regionalism and for state autonomy," Vaiko said adding, "Any move that infringes upon the rights of the states should be opposed."
The MDMK is the second NDA partner after the Indian National Lok Dal to oppose the Centre's move.
Vaiko also said that the MDMK would contest the upcoming local bodies polls in the state on its own.
Vaiko's announcement comes on the day Prime Minister A B Vajpayee made changes to his Cabinet.
On earlier occasions, the MDMK leader had made it a point to be present at the swearing-in ceremony.
According to party sources, the MDMK is preparing itself for the emerging situation in the light of the Tansi case.
As of now, the BJP is reluctant to part company with the DMK while the latter is unsure of having the MDMK and the PMK as its partners in the NDA at the state-level.
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