TN CM evasive on DMK support to any Prez candidate

New Delhi, May 29 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today indicated that the DMK had not made up its mind on extending support to any particular candidate in the Presidential election.

''It is not a Panchayat election. We have to give a deep thought to it,'' Mr Karunanidhi told reporters who wanted to know whether his party would support a Dalit candidate or prefer a second term to President A P J Abdul Kalam.

Talking to reporters at the end of his two-day visit to the capital, the Chief Minister said he would be back in the city in the first week of June to hold further discussions on the Presidential poll.

Replying to a question on Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthananthan's reported opposition to providing CISF security to the Mullaperiyar dam, he said such security was essential in the interest of Tamil farmers.

During his stay here, the DMK chief had meetings with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Congress President Sonia Gandhi, Left party leaders Prakash Karat and A B Bardhan, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh.

Presidential poll and issues concerning Tamil Nadu figured in the talks. Mr Karunanidhi also addressed the National Development Council (NDC) meeting today.

UNI