Former RS member Sarathkumar quits AIADMK

Chennai, Nov 6: Nearly a month after his actress-Wife Radhika was sacked from the AIADMK for alleged 'anti-party activities,' Tamil film hero and Former Rajya Sabha Member Sarathkumar today resigned from the primary membership of the party.

''As my profession and presidentship of the South Indian Film Artistes Assocation need my undivided attention, I have tendered my resignation to party supremo J Jayalalithaa,'' he said in a brief statement here.

He said certain unwanted developments had forced him to take a hard and painful decision with regard to his political career.

Stating that he owed his film career to the unstinted support of his fans and the people of Tamil Nadu, Mr Sarathkumar said he always wanted to contribute to the development and welfare of the society.

''My decisions, be it my career or politics, have always been guided by my conscience,'' the actor said.

Recalling his whirlwind tour of the assembly constituencies and vigourous campaigning for candidates of the AIADMK and alliance parties, he said ''I took up my task ardently and executed my assignments satisfactorily.'' Mr Sarathkumar created ripples in the political circles by switching over to the AIADMK from the DMK ahead of the May Assembly elections in protest against ''insults heaped on him by some people close to DMK President M Karunanidhi.''

UNI