MK urges PM to reconsider Centre's decision on NLC

Chennai, July 4: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to withdraw the Centre's decision to disinvest ten per cent of its equity in the Public Sector Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), stating ''the situation in NLC is becoming serious day-by-day.'' In a fax message, Mr Karunanidhi said Dr Singh's assurance that preferential treatment would be given to the employees in the disinvestment, does not fully meet the demands of the employees and reiterated his plea that the Centre withdraw its proposed disinvestment immediately.

The situation in NLC was becoming serious day-by-day with the result, the opposition was trying to exploit the situation, he said and brought to the notice of Prime Minister that some disgruntled elements were trying to instigate violence.

''At any time this may turn out to be a grave law and order problem. Further continuance of the problem to exist may result in break down in the supply of electricity not only to our State but also to the entire south,'' Mr Karunanidhi said.

''Under these unpleasant and undesirable cirumstances, I very earnestly request you to kindly withdraw the proposed disinvetment of NLC shares immediately,'' he said.

Sending a copy of the fax message Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Mr Karunanidhi requested her to do the needful. In a separate fax message to Ms Gandhi, he said ''I am enclosing herewith a copy of the fax message sent today to the Prime Minister. I would be very grateful if urgent action is taken on my request.'' The Chief Minister has also taken up the matter with Finance Minsiter P Chidambaram and explained the urgency involved in the issue.

Mr Karunanidhi said that the Finance Minister promised that he would immediately take up the matter and the latest developements to the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister for immediately responding to his earlier request to consider selling the shares to the employees, during disinvestment, though it was rejected by the employees.

UNI