Karunanidhi committed to protect secularism: Raja

Puducherry, June 5: Union Minister for Information and Technology A Raja said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was striving to protect sovereignity, secularism and uphold democracy enshrined in the constitution for the welfare of the country.

Speaking at a public meeting here last night, organised by the DMK youth wing to celebrate the golden jubilee of Mr Karunanidhi as legislator and his 84th birthday, Mr Raja pointed out that when BJP was in alliance with the DMK, the former had never announced to construct any temple. This was because of Mr Karunanidhi, who was committed to protect secularism in the country.

Mr Raja also recalled Mr Karunanidhi's struggle against MISA and his demand during former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's regime that all banks should be nationalised.

Many Chief Ministers had ruled Tamil Nadu and each had a separate distinction, but Mr Karunanidhi had several distinctions to his credit as whenever he came to power, he had introduced some novel schemes, he added.

Tamil Nadu ministers M R K Panneerselvam, K Ponmudi, A V Velu besides local party leaders addressed the gathering.

Financial assistance were given to 64 senior party cadres while cycle rickshaws, push carts, among other things, under various welfare schemes were handed over to the poor to mark the occasion.

UNI