TN: Health Minister defends CM Karunanidhi

Madurai, Feb 3: Defending Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi engaging with spiritual leaders, Tamil Nadu Health Minister K K S S R Ramachandran today said criticism on this score was misplaced and unwarranted.

Launching the widow pension scheme of the Amritanandamayi Mutt at a function here graced by the Mata, he asked what was wrong in recognising the welfare measures undertaken by religious leaders.

DMK founder C N Annadurai had remarked that God should be seen in the smile of the poor, he recalled and said Mr Karunanidhi too was adhering to the same principle.

The Baba paying a visit to the Chief Minister's residence at Chennai recently and Mr Karunanidhi participating in a function for the tsunami affected along with the Mata recently, have reopened the debate over the DMK's rationalistic credentials.

The Mutt had already implemented the scheme in Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli and tsunami-ravaged Nagapattinam. Under this, 5,000 widows, from the economically poor category, would be provided with livelihood assistance every year.

Another scheme for the 'Self Help' of the economically poor was also launched by City Mayor Thenmozhi G. Sewing machines and other livelihood support measures would be provided under the programme.

UNI