Karunanidhi must express regret: Sarathkumar

Chennai, Sep 21 (UNI) Actor-politician and founder of the All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) R Sarathkumar today demanded Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi to express regret for his remarks that Lord Rama was a ''drunkard''.

Talking to reporters here, he claimed that the remarks were ''malicious'' in nature and would kindle the religious undercurrent which in turn would be used by miscreants to create trouble in the state.

Accusing the DMK Chief of precipitating the matter after the Congress government had withdrawn the controversial affidavit respecting the sentiments of the people, he also took objection to his statement calling for a debate on the issue.

''If he (Mr Karunanidhi) really thinks that this issue is more important than the development of the country, then he should step down from the post the Chief Minister and then have a debate'', he said ''Going into the religious beliefs whether it is true or false is not important at the moment,'' he said and added that his party would also explore the possibility of taking legal steps against the Chief Minister.

On Mr Karunanidhi's contention that he had only recalled what Valmiki had mentioned in the Ramayana, Mr Sarathkumar said the Chief Minister could have avoided making such a reference.

UNI