BJP demands dismissal of DMK Govt in memo to TN Guv

Chennai, Sep 24 (UNI) The BJP today submitted a memorandum to Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala, demanding the dismissal of the DMK Government for ''attacking'' the party office here yesterday in the name of a demonstration against the 'fatwa' issued by former BJP MP and VHP leader Ram Vilas Vedanti, asking for Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's head for his derogatory remarks against Lord Ram.

Addressing a press conference here, BJP state president L Ganesan strongly condemned the attack and said the party had asked the Governor to recommend to President Pratibha Patil the dismissal of the Karunanidhi Government.

He said he would move the Madras High Court, seeking a CBI inquiry into the attacks on BJP's party offices here as well as in other parts of the State, and the attack on the house of senior party leader H Raja in Karaikudi.

Mr Ganesan alleged that the attack, which amounted to ''cowardice'', was led by a State Minister Paruthi Ilamvazhuthi and Chennai city Mayor M Subramaniyam.

''To attack a rival party office is unprecedented and anti-democratic'', he charged.

Mr Ganesan alleged that the attack was a pre-planned one and came after the provocative statement by DMK Treasurer Arcot N Veerasamy against the 'fatwa'. ''We also demand his immediate sacking from the Cabinet,'' he added.

However, Mr Ganesan, who spoke to newspersons in the presence of another senior leader and former Union Shipping Minister S Thirunavukkarasar, said the BJP did not endorse Mr Vedanti's remarks against Mr Karunanidhi.

UNI