People say "no to drink" as first step: MK

Chennai, May 29 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today appealed to the people to say ''no to drink'' as a first step towards implementing total prohibition on liquor in the state.

''People should implement total prohibition in their personal life, which will help the state to impose total prohibition,'' he told newspersons, when asked about PMK leader S Ramadoss's fight for total prohibition on liquor.

He said, the PMK leader had noble ideals and thoughts like father of nation Mahatma Gandhi, but we should see whether it was practically possible to impose total prohibition in the state.

Answering a question, Mr Karunanidhi ruled out extention of the deadline for helmet wearing, which would become mandatory from June 1. ''If you have space in the head, the deadline could be extended,'' he said, stressing the need to wear helmet.

Asked whether he had sought action against MDMK leader Vaiko for supporting the outlawed LTTE, Mr Karunanidhi said, he never had the habit of carrying tales and wrecking vengeance.

Answering a question, he said, the stumbling blocks for the implementation of Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal project have been demolished. ''It is not fair to call Ramar Sethu as stumbling blocks,'' he said in a lighter vein, amid laughter.

On the steps being taken by the government to bring down cement prices, he said he would soon hold a meeting with cement manufacturers.

UNI