Kanchi seer's party to contest Panchayat polls in TN

Tamil Nadu Desiya Aanmiga Makkal Katchi (Tamil Nadu National Spiritual People's Party) would participate in the Panchayat elections to inculcate a nationalistic, clean and spiritual outlook among people at the grassroots towards politics, the seer told reporters.

The Sankaracharya, who does not hold a post in the party, said he had been informed that many had already applied for being made its candidates in the Panchayat polls.

The pontiff was speaking to reporters after TNCC President and Congress candidate for Mylapore constituency in Chennai K V Thangkabalu arrived at Sankara Mutt here to seek the seer's blessings ahead of the elections.

Regarding the April 13 Assembly polls, the Sankaracharya said people should shun freebies being offered by political parties and vote for governments that would curtail the proliferation of MNCs in the country.

Increasing foreign presence in the market and increased concessions to such companies, "allowing them free use of our land, is harmful" he said. Indians should have a major share of the capital and the investment share from foreigners should be lowest, he said.

The pontiff said he was heartened by the developments brought about by social activist Anna Hazare's fast-unto-death. Calling fasting a valid weapon, he said people should "vigilantly follow up" the fruits of the protest to its logical end.

He lauded the Election Commission for its "good work" and commended the police men who are vigilant even during the night, checking the traffic for illegal transfer of money to the electorate.