My response to critics on DMK as an ally in 1999 is to look back at history. There was no BJP manifesto in 1999.(1/2 http://t.co/6P41IaBPrQ

Firmly refuting politically motivated criticisms regarding the DMK's past alliance with the NDA in 1999, DMK Treasurer M. K. Stalin on April 9, 2014, urged political commentators and citizens to examine documented historical facts. Stalin clarified that when the DMK joined the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 1999, there was no separate BJP manifesto in operation; instead, all alliance partners subscribed exclusively to a secular National Agenda for Governance that completely excluded contentious sectarian agendas. He pointed out that Dr. Kalaignar Karunanidhi ensured that the NDA operated strictly within the constitutional boundaries of cooperative federalism, secularism, and progressive economic development, leaving no room for communal polarization. Stalin noted that whenever reactionary elements attempted to deviate from this agreed secular roadmap, the DMK protested vigorously and ultimately walked out of the Union Cabinet with heads held high. He contrasted the DMK's dignified, principled historical record with today's opportunistic NDA alliance, where regional parties had surrendered unconditionally to a purely right-wing party manifesto. Stalin affirmed that the DMK's unwavering loyalty has always belonged to social justice, secular democracy, and Tamil welfare. He affirmed that principled coalition governance always puts the public interest above narrow partisan ambitions.