To keep Sethu on track, DMK, allies call bandh

The DMK and its allies, including Congress, Pattali Makkal Katchi and the two Left parties which met here, said in a resolution that the bandh would 8220;send out a strong message to the Centre that the people of the state were united in their support for the project8221;. It also cautioned the UPA Government against submitting to 8220;communal forces8221; which were only attempting to scuttle the project on religious grounds. The DMK and its allies also demanded the arrest of VHP leader Ram Vilas Vedanti, who reportedly offered gold as reward for Karunanidhi8217;s head.

Later, speaking to reporters, Karunanidhi said the bandh was primarily to urge the Centre to ignore the opposition to the project. Karunanidhi said he was 8220;neither disappointed nor fully happy8221; with the Centre8217;s actions. 8220;That is why we have called for the bandh,8221; he said.

He described the attack on the BJP headquarters in Chennai by DMK workers as a minor issue. 8220;If such an attack indeed took place, it is condemnable. However, it is a minor issue magnified by the media.8221;

Karunanidhi also asserted that his remarks on Ram Setu will not cost the party its Hindu votes.