Call for debate on Jayalalitha becoming CM

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, MAY 15. The Union Minister for Rural Development, Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, has called for a national debate on Constitutional issues relating to Ms. Jayalalitha assuming office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu despite her disqualification to contest the election on the basis of her conviction in a court of law.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Naidu said the founding- fathers of the Constitution had not envisaged a situation wherein a person convicted under the law of the land could use a Constitutional provision to assume the Chief Ministership without being a member of the Legislature.

An odd situation was created due to her assumption of office. The constitution-makers never expected such a situation. It warranted a national debate and the ongoing Constitutional review could take note of the issues thrown open by Ms. Jayalalitha's ascension, he said.

Mr. Venkaiah Naidu, however, refused to be drawn into a discussion on the merits of the Governor's decision inviting Ms. Jayalalitha to form the Government. ``It is not fair on my part to comment on the decision of the Governor who is a constitutional functionary.'' Answering a question, he said the massive mandate secured by the AIADMK could not shroud the legal issues involving Ms. Jayalalitha and it was wrong to interpret that she was acquitted by the ``people's court''. ``One can understand if politicians facing charges of corruption make such claims. But she was convicted by the court.''

Decries Cong. claim

The Union Minister decried the Congress' claim that the election results in the five States was a verdict against the NDA Government and criticised the demand for NDA resignation.

Also the election outcome would not affect the stability of the NDA Government. Congress leaders were ``day-dreaming'' about the fall of the NDA Government, he asserted.

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