BJP crisis — Advani seeks DMK support

Later talking to The Indian Express, Maran said the question of either supporting or opposing the BJP Government did not arise now as like everybody else "we are also watching the developments and the final act of AIADMK general secretary J Jayalalitha". Though she had withdrawn the AIADMK nominees from the Union Cabinet and pulled out fromthe co-ordination committee, she was yet to declare withdrawal of support to the BJP Government.

"She is playing hide and seek with the BJP," Maran charged.

Stating that the DMK had not promised any BJP leader to support its Government, Maran said he was unaware of Lok Shakti leader and Union Commerce Minister Ramakrishna Hegde’s reported remarks recently that the DMK would support the coalition Government.

Meanwhile, in view of the political developments, the Chief Minister has cancelled his scheduled visit to Vaikom (Kerala) on Sunday to participate in the anniversary celebrations of Periyar E V Ramasamy’s struggle against caste oppression.

Earlier, Karunanidhi held discussions with Maran on the present political situation at the Centre. Maran is said to have briefed about the discussions he had with CPM general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet and other leaders at New Delhi for the last two days about the political imbroglio.