DMK calls for 'secular' parties to come together

Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, led by DMK, called for unity among all secular parties of the country following the BJP's victory in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh assembly elections.

"I congratulate the BJP for its victories in Gujarat and HP. People are the masters in a democracy and their verdict has to be accepted. Election results demand unity among democratic, progressive and secular forces to protect the pluralism of India," DMK working president MK Stalin said. The saffron party's victory in the two northern states would not help it in Tamil Nadu, he said, adding that coming to power in Tamil Nadu would only remain a wish of sister Tamilisai Soundarajan, BJP's state chief.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, a dalit party supporting DMK in the bypoll to RK Nagar Assembly seat, said that BJP's victory has sounded a warning to democratic forces. "The time has come to begin coordination of all the secular parties across the country. We have to keenly study how the BJP has managed to come back to power again and again in Gujarat for over 20 years despite disgruntlement," VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said. Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam separately greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Tamil Nadu unit of BJP celebrated the party's victory by distributing sweets and bursting crackers at its party headquarters here on Monday.