Karunanidhi congratulates Sonia on decision

Chennai, Mar 23: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President M Karunanidhi today congratulated Congress President Sonia Gandhi for resigning as MP as well as Chairperson of the National Advisory Council, saying 'one who conquers himself will conquer the world.' Talking to newspersons here after completing the exercise of identification of seats to allies for the May 8 Assembly polls, he said had spokeen to Ms Gandhi over phone and pledged full support to her.

'I spoke to Ms Gandhi and congratulated her. Ms Gandhi has proved that one who conquers himself (herself) will conquer the world.' 'They told me everything..Don't worry we are all with you,' the DMK leader said in his brief telephone talk, party sources said.

Rejecting a suggestion that Ms Gandhi's decision would pose a threat to the stability of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre, Mr Karunanidhi asserted that 'there is no danger to the UPA government.' Asked whether the proposed ordinance was a way out in the wake of the 'office of profit' controversy, Mr Karunandhi, whose party was a key constituent of the UPA government, said if the ordinance helped to resolve the impasse, it had to be considered.

To a question whether Ms Gandhi's decision would have an impact in the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, he said 'it will have its impact in the hearts of the people.'

Mr Karunanidhi suggested a 'wait and see' approach when asked if all MPs who held offices of profit should quit. 'Senior leaders in Delhi are discussing the issue and let us wait and see what will happen.' Asked if it augured well for democracy if MPs were asked to step down because they were holding offices of profit, he expressed confidence that senior leaders seized of the matter would find a solution.

Mr Karunanidhi said the DMK had completed the exercise of identifying seats for its allies. A day after signing an agreement with the Congress, the party reached an agreement with the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) today, identifying 31 seats allotted to it.

After completing personal interviews of those who had applied for party tickets in a couple of days, the DMK would release the list of candidates.

'In Tamil Nadu', he quipped, when asked from where he proposed to contest. The party would release its election manifesto during the first week of April and he would start electioneering from the second week of April, Mr Karunanidhi said.

On the controversy over inclusion of bogus votes, he said after the DMK brought it to the Election Commission's notice, it had deputed a team and found that names of bogus voters were included.

The Commission had promised to take action against those who had stuffed the electoral rolls with bogus names, who included some Ministers in the Jayalalithaa regime, but no action was taken, he said, adding that he still hoped that the Commission would act.

UNI