TDP to back Centre's move

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JULY 1. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has said it would support any decision the Centre takes in response to the political developments in Tamil Nadu following Saturday's arrest of the former Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi.

The Home Minister, Mr. T. Devender Goud, and Mr. Lal Jan Basha, politburo members of the TDP, said the party president, Mr. N. Chandrababu Naidu, had conveyed this view to the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, during their telephonic conversation. ``Mr. Vajpayee is a mature leader and we are confident that he will take the correct stand,'' they told a press conference on Sunday.

Replying to a question whether the party would back imposition of President's Rule in Tamil Nadu, they said no such decision had been taken by the NDA last evening and it was only a demand of the DMK.

``We have expressed solidarity with the NDA and with the DMK. The Centre will involve us in the decision-making process,'' they said.

Describing the manner in which Mr. Karunanidhi was arrested as `most unfortunate', they said the incident was a blot on democracy.

It deserved strong condemnation because an aged leader who had served the people of Tamil Nadu for long was treated in a brutal manner by the police.

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Section  : National
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