Date:02/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/02/stories/2007100258320100.htm

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'We will not hurt DMK government'

Vinay Kumar

Karunanidhi is “one of the stalwarts” of the whole country, says Dasmunshi

Photo: M. Vedhan

FOR A CAUSE: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, along with Democratic Progressive Alliance leaders, at the venue of a fast in Chennai on Monday in support of the Sethusamudram project. —

NEW DELHI: The central government on Monday firmly ruled out any action against the DMK government in Tamil Nadu.

“We will do nothing to hurt the Tamil Nadu government. We are committed. They [the DMK] are part of our UPA government. We will not disturb the State government remotely, directly or explicitly,” Information and Broadcasting Minister P. R. Dasmunsi said here.

Mr. Dasmunsi was replying to questions on the Supreme Court’s observations that the Centre should not feel shy of dismissing the DMK government if it was found that it had not complied with the apex court order on bandh.

The Minister maintained that the issue did not figure in the Union Cabinet meeting. He described Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi as “one of the stalwarts” not just of the DMK but of the whole country.

He said the Chief Minister planned to go on a fast as it was not violation of the court order. “This is a non-violent response, showing respect to Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals a day ahead of his birth anniversary,” Mr. Dasmunsi said.

Mr. Karunanidhi, he said, had set an example through his support and concern for the poorest of the poor, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes, the minorities and the downtrodden.

The Union Home Ministry said it was in touch with the State government. “We have been in touch with the government for the past several days in an effort to ensure that peace is maintained. If required, we will continue to be in touch,” Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta said.