CM changing stand on NLC issue: Jaya

Chennai, July 5 : Charging Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi with frequently changing his stand on the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) issue, AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today exhorted NLC workers to continue their agitation till the Centre withdrew its decision to divest ten per cent equity in the undertaking.

In a statement here, she expressed solidarity with the workers, who launched an indefinite strike yesterday in protest against the Centre's decision.

Stating that she would be firm in her support, she said several political parties concerned about people's welfare were also standing by them. In contrast, Mr Karunanidhi had changed his stand on the issue several times in the last week, Ms Jayalalithaa charged.

The Chief Minister remained silent when the Centre announced the decision to divest NLC shares and the Union Ministers of the DMK had in fact participated in a meeting that took the decision.

However, following the protests by the AIADMK and other political parties, he changed his stand and called for withdrawal of the Centre's decision, she said.

Later, he suggested the Centre could allot shares to NLC workers.

Following widespread condemnation of his suggestion, he again made a volte face and urged the Prime Minister to withdraw the decision.

Ms Jayalalithaa said the NLC workers had understood the 'double stand' of Mr Karunanidhi, who was functioning with 'self-interest.'

UNI