INTUC predicts thumping victory of DPA

Puducherry, Apr 30 . The Democratic Progressive Alliance (DPA) will have a thumping victory in the May 13 Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) president and AICC Poll Observer for Tamil Nadu G Sanjeev Reddy predicted today.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Reddy said he had visited several constituencies in Tamil Nadu and the wave was in favour of the DPA, despite the AIADMK and the Left trying to create some problems on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.

He said the Congress party was to protect the Tamils in Sri Lanka and disapprove the strategy of the LTTE in using the civilians for their benefits.

Since the Congress wanted their rehabilitation, the Central government had sanctioned Rs 100 crore for them, he claimed.

Claiming the Congress government at the Centre had introduced several people welfare schemes, including Social Security Bill for the unorganised sector labourers, he said Rs 35 crore had been earmarked for the implementation of the Bill.

Steps would be initiated for it's implementation after the formation of the next government, he added.

Mr Reddy claimed that the Congress would emerge as the single largest party after the elections and there would be post-poll realignment.

Because of a strong economic policy, India was not affected much due to global recession, he claimed.

He also wanted the Centre to release funds from the Central Textile Protection Funds to modernise three textile mills here to save the 5,000 workers.