AIADMK demand for dismissal due to frustration: MK

Chennai, May 15 (UNI) Not attaching too much significance to the demand for dismissal of his government by the Opposition AIADMK, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said it was borne out of frustration.

Referring to the AIADMK submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister demanding imposition of President's rule in the state, Mr Karunanidhi said AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa could not live without grand reception even for a second. ''She cannot live without power. She cannot live without ''Raja Mariyadhai'' (grand reception) even for a second,'' he added.

In this context, Mr Karunanidhi also pointed out to the letter written by the ''Democratic Angel'' (Jananayaga Devathai) Jayalalithaa to the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi demanding dismissal of the government headed by MGR and that she be made Chief Minister.

On the Opposition's charge about the spurt in activities of the banned LTTE in the state, Mr Karunanidhi said the question was not pointed to him.

''Without hiding, the MDMK (an ally of the AIADMK), should reply to it,'' he added.

On the reasons for listing out various welfare measures launched for the journalists, he said, it was natural for him to rebut the media criticisms if it was deliberately directed at him and strive for their welfare whether or not in power.

On comparison of legislature demcoracy followed by his government and the previous AIADMK regime, the Chief Minister said the demand for grants in respect of 36 of the 49 departments were debated and passed during the Budget debate in 2004.

''On a single day on July three, 2004, 24 demands were taken up for discussions and 13 passed and the House met for only six days to discuss the demand for grants. The general discussion on the Budget lasted only one day (July 23, 2004),'' he added.

''Whereas in this session under the DMK regime, 51 demands were discussed and passed in 26 days and the House met for 41 days to discuss the Governor's address and the State Budget,'' he added.

UNI