Monday, June 27 2005 11:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Left parties' concerns over disinvestment in public sector units today (Jun 27, 2005) drew support from a crucial constituent of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), when it asked the Government to "strictly adhere to the National Common Minimum Programme (NCMP)".

A day after the four Left parties decided to suspend participation in the UPA-Left Coordination Committee meetings accusing the Government of "first serious violation of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP)" by its decision to disinvest 10 per cent equity in BHEL, DMK president M Karunanidhi wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi making clear his party's position.

In his letter, he said, "The UPA Government need not have any misunderstanding with the Left parties differing (from them on) the decision of the NCMP."

"As we have all accepted earlier, I request you to strictly adhere to the NCMP".

Copies of Karunanidhi's letter have been faxed to the Left party leaders.