Stalin's MISA imprisonment an undeniable historical truth, says Thirumavalavan

VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan on Thursday described DMK president M.K. Stalin's imprisonment and the repression he faced under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency as an "undeniable historical truth".

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, he said Stalin had been jailed during the Emergency and that there was no question of disputing that historical fact. He was responding to the recent political debate triggered by a video in which Stalin recalled his experiences under MISA.

Mr. Thirumavalavan also referred to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay's clarification that he regretted any Assembly remarks that may have hurt anyone's feelings, and said the remarks had not been made with any malicious intent.

On the proposed construction of a new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam, the VCK leader said the government should take into account the concerns of local residents and fishermen. He expressed confidence that the government would assess public opinion in the area before taking a final decision on the project.

Turning to the newly-announced Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, Mr. Thirumavalavan said both the CPI and CPI(M) had already made their position clear that they supported the TVK government continuing for its full five-year term. He said the two Left parties continued to be part of the secular social justice alliance and would work together with it. Seat-sharing arrangements, he added, would be discussed and finalised closer to the elections.