Third front takes shape in TN

Ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls due next May, the Left parties and Vaiko-led MDMK on Monday launched the People’s Welfare Front (PWF) to take on the major Dravidian parties, the ruling AIADMK and DMK.

Though the PWF was initiated a month ago, the political shape was given by announcing that it would contest the Assembly polls together.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi led by former MP and dalit leader Thol Thirumavalavan has also joined the alliance. The PWF also launched the draft of its common minimum programme (CMP).

Vaiko and other leaders, including CPI state secretary Mutharasan and CPM state secretary G Ramakrishnan, said the CMP promises to launch agitations against globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation polices of the Centre which was affecting the interests of the people.

The PWF also promised to take steps to prevent privatisation of PSUs and rampant FDI in key sectors.