TN CM criticises weekly for opposing waiver of ET for films

Chennai, Oct 9 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today flayed a weekly for describing as ''mockery'' the state government's decision to waive entertainment tax for films with Tamil title.

''It was pity that the Tamils' love for the langauge appeared to be a mockery for the weekly, ''he noted, adding that their efforts to awaken the Tamils and the steps taken by them to move forward would be shocking and appear mockery for those ''who consider Tamils as slaves and Tamil language as slave language.

''These people, while administering medicines to their children will give a little bit of honey before giving the medicine. If giving honey is a mockery, this (waiving entertainment tax) is also a mockery,'' he said.

Mr Karunanidhi also took exception for the weekly saying that the ruling DMK was trying to appease the Tamil film industry by slashing the outdoor shooting charges to strengthen its vote bank politics.

He said the DMK government had only brought down the charges, hiked manifold by the previous AIADMK government and it was better the weekly verify the facts before criticising.

On the rise in prices of pulses and other essential commodities, Mr Karunanidhi said considering this kind of situation, the DMK government had decided to make available 30 kg of rice a month to card holders at the rate of Rs 2 per kg.

Moreover, the DMK after coming to power, had waived sales tax on pulses and oil, incurring a revenue loss of Rs 110 crore, he said.

The DMK government had waived the taxes during 1996-2001, but the subsequent AIADMK regime, had levied the taxes again, he added.

On AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa's reported remarks that she would eliminate him and the DMK like Narakasura and his forces were eliminated, he said Ms Jayalalithaa should be aware that the story which referred to Narakasura, also talked about the elimination of ''Thataki'' (woman demon).Soorpanagai.

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