Prepared to lose power but not self respect: Karunanidhi

“For people like me who have matured under the political guidance of Anna (DMK founder C N Annadurai), our self respect is dearer than the crown of thorns which symbolises power. I would like to tell our allies that we are prepared to lose power if our self respect is under threat,” Karunanidhi said during a wedding here. The function was also attended by some Congress leaders.

The issue of some Tamil outfits, particularly the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), supporting the LTTE, had rocked the Assembly last week, with Karunanidhi pacifying Congress members by announcing the setting up of a legal committee to help formulate a legislation to rein in the pro-Tiger outfits. Congress members had raised the issue of ally and VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan holding a public meeting in support of the LTTE and even staged a walkout, dissatisfied with Karunanidhi’s explanations.

But what also upset the CM was apparently the remarks by Chidambaram, prompting him to say: “The continuing criticism makes me suspect if there is a conspiracy afoot to destabilise the Government which has ensured that Tamil Nadu is a haven of peace.”

Karunanidhi said he had warned individuals and groups against indulging in anti-national activities. “We have warned those going against national interests and also announced on the floor of the Assembly the stern measures we would take if they persisted with it,” Karunanidhi said, going on to list his Government’s efforts to curb LTTE activities.