Date:23/09/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/09/23/stories/2007092360160800.htm

National

DMK leader threatens demonstrations

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader Arcot N. Veerasamy has warned that unless Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ram Vilas Vedanti withdrew the ‘fatwa’ he issued against Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, DMK functionaries will hold black-flag demonstrations in front of BJP offices in the State.

On Friday, Mr.Vedanti made an “offensive statement” against Mr. Karunanidhi in Ayodhya. Mr.Veerasamy added that he would not hesitate even to relinquish his ministerial post to participate in the protest.

Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss also issued a statement strongly condemning Mr.Vedanti for making the offensive remark about Mr. Karunanidhi. Such statements by religious fanatics could not be taken lightly, Dr. Ramadoss said.

Left statements

The Communist parties have also issued separate statements condemning Mr. Vedanti’s death threat to Mr. Karunanidhi.

CPI (M) State secretary N. Varadarajan termed the death threat as ‘barbaric.’ He said such a statement was a challenge to secularism and scientific temper of the nation. CPI state secretary D. Pandian called on the Centre to take severe action against those responsible for the statement.