Jaya security not scaled down: Karunanidhi

Chennai, May 24 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today denied that his government has scaled down the security for his predecessor and AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa, who was entitled to ''Z Plus'' security cover.

Talking to newspersons after a DMK legislature party meeting here, he said it was a false charge that the security cover provided to Ms Jayalalithaa has been reduced.

''Whatever security is to be provided for those under ''Z Plus'' category has been given to Ms Jayalalithaa,'' he said adding he was also under ''Z Plus'' category and whatever security cover he was given during the previous AIADMK regime, was being given to Ms Jayalalithaa now.

''Let us see what action the Prime Minister initiates,'' he said when asked about Marumalarchi DMK (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko's complaint to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that he faced threats to his life after the DMK came to power.

On Ms Jayalalithaa's demand that Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram should resign, owning responsibility for the crash in the stock market, Mr Karunanidhi said ''she will keep demanding the resignations of all people.'' Asked whether the government would revive the lottery business in the state, the Chief Minister said those who were engaged in lottery business have given a representation to revive the business abolished during the previous AIADMK regime but his government has not taken any decision on this. ''I have told them that the government will consider their plea,'' he added.

On rebel BJP leader Uma Bharathi's suggestion that women should also be appointed as Archakas (Priests) in the temples, Mr Karunanidhi said this was also a progressive view.

He refused to attach much significance to AIADMK members boycotting the Governor's address on the opening day today, saying ''these are all accepted in democracy.'' Mr Karunanidhi said the government would fulfill its promise of providing free gas stoves. ''We will first give colour television sets,'' he said when asked about free cable connection.

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