AIMMK founder-leader N Sethuraman, releasing the party's election manifesto to the media here today made a strong plea for separate statehood for the southern districts. The rationale being offered for this was underdevelopment of the region compared to the northern and western parts of the state.

Another commitment made was Chief Ministership in rotation to all the communities, including the minorities and a political leadership which would take steps to protect the interests of all Tamils.

Blaming the present mainstream politics of being steeped in casteism, the manifesto expressed the party's resolve to put an end to caste conflicts and casteist politics.

Significantly, it assured to work for peace and social harmony among the Dalits and the backward communities.

The manifesto also mentioned about the interstate water disputes with Karnataka over Cauvery and with Kerala over the Periyar and diversion of the west-flowing rivers.

Dr Sethuraman was unfazed over his party being a constituent of the BJP, which he had earlier described as communal. The DMK's denial of seats to the AIMMK had forced the outfit to come out of the DPA, he admitted.

He also introduced the five candidates fielded by the AIMMK.

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