AIADMK-BJP not a double-barrel gun, say AIADMK leaders

Chennai : Leaders of Tamil Nadu's ruling AIADMK on Monday denied that they are acting like a double-barrel gun, along with the BJP.

On Sunday, AIADMK's mouthpiece "Namathu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma" carried an article appreciating BJP and the signs of both the parties acting like a double-barrel gun are visible.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar said only the party high command can decide on the electoral alliances.

Referring to the article in the party's newpaper, he said that it is only an article and electoral alliances are stitched only during polls and it is the party that decides on that and not newspaper columnists.

Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai also said there is no pact between AIADMK and BJP.

Referring to the AIADMK, he said there is only a single-barrel gun in the state and no double-barrel gun.

On the other hand, DMK leader M.K. Stalin told reporters in Pudukottai that AIADMK and BJP are in fact acting like a double-barrel gun on several issues like the common entrance exam for medical education and Cauvery river water issue.

He said the BJP-led Central government has not set up the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) despite the Supreme Court order and the Tamil Nadu government seems to be in concurrence with them.