THE Hindu Writers’ Forum, of Chaguanas has come out in support of United National Congress (UNC) leader Winston Dookeran.

In a statement to the media, Kamal Persad, head of the Writers’ Forum said in part:

“We fully agree with the description of the meeting of the leadership of about 45 Hindu organisations and groups at the Maha Sabha Headquarters as ‘an historic meeting’.

“One need not recount the very heavy price the Hindu and Indian constituencies have paid since 1956 for being in Opposition and contributing to the founding of our democracy.

“The Hindu leadership of the country has done well to endorse the political leadership of Winston Dookeran.

“We suggest that the presence of Basdeo Panday, his leadership, political code, style and his ambitions for himself and his selected cabal, are at the root of the problem.

“Panday does not possess any political patent on the Hindu and Indian constituen-cies.

“The Hindu population must follow its Hindu leadership in its endorsement of Dookeran.

“The outcome is clear: Panday is a political guru without political chelas (Hindu constituency).

“He is a chief with no Indians.

“His end will be karmic -- one of disgrace and dishonour.”