SC verdict: DMK to observe fast in TN

Chennai, Sep 30: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today announced that the ruling DMK-led DPA will observe a fast tomorrow in the wake of Supreme Court restraining the proposed bandh on the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP).

In the city, Mr Karunanidhi would lead the fast in front of the State Guest House at Chepauk.

In an immediate reaction to the apex court order, the DKM supremo said leaders of the DMK-led DPA would observe fast in all districts of the state.

Earlier, the apex court had given a verdict restraining the bandh on a Special Leave Petition (SLP), filed by the opposition AIADMK, challenging the Madras High Court order not restraining the poltical parties from going ahead with the bandh, while directing the Tamil Nadu government to ensure that normal life remained unaffected on the bandh day.

Mr Karunanidhi said similar fasts would be observed by the DMK and it allies, including Congress, PMK, CPI, CPI(M), DPI and Dravida Kazhagam in all district headquarters in the state.

He said the fast was also to protest against some ''elements'' causing obstacles to the bandh called to impress upon the Centre to implement the SSCP without succumbing to any pressures exerted by the communal forces.

UNI