George fails to move DMK on POTA

Emerging from the meeting, Fernandes admitted there were differences on the issue between the NDA constituents and that they should be ‘‘reconciled and resolved some way or the other’’.

‘‘Karunanidhi’s stand on POTA is known and he maintains it,’’ said the defence minister. Karunanidhi later told reporters that Fernandes had explained the NDA government’s ‘‘difficulties’’ on accepting his demand but he was ‘‘not in a position to accept the government’s stand’’.

‘‘I urged him to take some steps for the early release of MDMK chief Vaiko, Tamil National Movement leader P. Nedumaran, both POTA detainees,’’ Karunanidhi said.

The DMK chief had brought up the view of legal experts who have raised doubts over the release of Vaiko and others even after promulgation of the recent ordinance on POTA making the view of the revview committee binding on the Centre and the state governments. The only way out was repeal of the act, Karunanidhi maintained. The DMK will go ahead with its agitation on December 1 against POTA as scheduled.

Fernandes said the rejection of Karunanidhi’s demand was ‘‘not the decision of the BJP. It is the NDA government’s decision’’.

The NDA convenor said he had flown to Chennai as the DMK chief was not well enough to go to Delhi. Fernandes’ sudden visit to Chennai to meet Karunanidhi assumes significance in the wake of media speculation that the DMK might ally with the Congress for the next Lok Sabha polls.