Karunanidhi breaks down over Jaya's "uncivilised" statements

Chennai, Apr 28 (UNI) The octogenarian DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today virtually broke down in the state assembly, lamenting over leader of the opposition J Jayalalithaa throwing to winds all civility in her political criticism.

Some of his ministerial colleagues, leaders of the alliance parties and members of the treasury benches were moved to tears as Mr Karunanidhi, turned emotional and virtually broke down after being offended by Ms Jayalalithaa's vituperative attack against him, his government, the Centre, the Governor and DGP in her statement yesterday.

After members of the alliance parties raised serious concern over the statement and demanded action against the AIADMK leader, Mr Karunanidhi, recalling his association with great leaders like Anna, K Kamaraj, C Bhakathavatchalam and M G Ramachandran, regretted that he had to face politicians like Ms Jayalalithaa, who lacked basic political culture and decency.

While making offensive statements, one should keep in mind that she might have to face the same person again in life, he added.

''We have no other option, but to grin and bear at these criticisms,'' the DMK patriarch said as his voice quivered.

During informal talks, he had even told his colleague Arcot Veerasamy that there was no point in living at the age of 84, facing politicians of this nature, he said.

The AIADMK members, who earlier staged a walk out, were in the lobby, listening to him when Mr Karunanidhi lamented about Ms Jayalalithaa's offensive remarks.

Mr Karunanidhi, who remained seated when he made the speech, was almost exhausted at the end, forcing leader of the House and Finance Minister K Anbazhagan to signal the watch and ward staff to bring a glass of water for the Chief Minister.

More UNI