Karunanidhi doesn't see any sympathy wave

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, OCT. 10. The DMK president, Mr. M. Karunanidhi, today discounted the possibility of a sympathy wave arising in favour of the AIADMK during the local bodies polls on the issue of unseating of Ms. Jayalalithaa, as Chief Minister.

Referring to her remarks made on Jaya TV as part of her campaign, Mr. Karunanidhi said she was wont to make such statements during each election. ``I appeal to the people not to be taken in by such statements.'' (Ms. Jayalalithaa, in her message to the voters, said the DMK foisted cases on her when it was in power. Now, it conspired to unseat her.)

Talking to reporters here, Mr. Karunanidhi said he could not be blamed for everything happening in the AIADMK. The law barring those convicted for more than two years from contesting an election was not in existence only during the period of the DMK Government. The law was applicable even now. The State Election Commission had also made it clear that those convicted for more than two years would not be allowed to contest the local bodies polls.

While in power, the DMK conferred more powers on the local bodies. However, in allocation of funds, Tamil Nadu should not be compared to other States where elections to the local bodies were held regularly. In Tamil Nadu, the elections were held in 1996 after a long gap. To the extent possible, the DMK Government granted the local bodies more powers and additional resources. Rather than viewing financial allocation to the local bodies in percentage terms, one should consider the facilities and amenities provided in terms of housing and roads.

To a question on the presence of a large number of rebels, Mr. Karunanidhi said this phenomenon was inevitable in every election. However, true DMK volunteers would not enter the fray as independents merely because they had been denied party ticket.

Referring to the letter sent by the DMK to the Union Home Minister and the DGP expressing apprehensions of violence during the polls, he said it was written on the basis of the speeches made by AIADMK leaders at their workers' meetings.

Asked whether he would campaign, he said his health did not permit him to do so.

On the Cauvery issue, Mr. Karunanidhi said he hoped that the final award of the tribunal would be available soon and that it would result in an amicable solution. He was happy that those who opposed the constitution of the Cauvery River Authority now agreed to participate in a CRA meeting.

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