DMK to hold meet on state autonomy

Chennai: Aimed at forming a platform for safeguarding states' rights, its pet theme, the DMK is holding a conference next month on alleged 'assaults' on federalism 'masterminded' by the BJP and seeking participation of leaders opposed to the saffron party from across the country.

The "State Autonomy and Federalism Conference" to be held on August 30 here comes at a time when the DMK has been opposing Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit's district visits terming them as an interference in the state's rights.

Also, various other regional parties have been attacking the Narendra Modi government for its alleged high-handed approach in dealing with non-BJP ruled states and stressing on the need for a united fight.

"Today, I have no doubt that, together, we will be able to forge a platform of like-minded political parties to safeguard the rights of our states and save federalism...," DMK Working President M K Stalin said in a letter inviting leaders for the conference.

DMK has been in touch with various non-BJP leaders, extending invitations for the conference. Stalin alleged that in the recent past there had been "a series of calculated assaults, masterminded by BJP and its agents, on the spirit of federalism.

"It is in the true spirit of federal cooperation, secularism and national integrity, I call upon yourself to extend fullest support, presence and participation to the State Autonomy and Federalism Conference," he said in the letter.