Congress distances itself from Karunanidhi's poem

Chennai, Nov 4 (UNI) The Congress today distanced itself from the poem penned by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi mourning the death of LTTE Political Wing Leader S P Thamilselvan, saying it was his personal view.

In a brief chat with the media at the airport on his arrival here from New Delhi, Senior Congress Leader M Veerappa Moily said the Congress had nothing to do with it.

''It is his own personal view and not that of the Congress. India is a democratic country where people express diverse views,'' he said.

Mr Moily also said he would not discuss the issue with Mr Karunanidhi.

Asked about the Congress stand on the issue as DMK was part of the UPA Government at the Centre, Mr Moily said the party had always opposed terrorism and would continue to do so.

''Not only the LTTE, the Congress will oppose any terrorist outfit. There is no change in this stand,'' he added.

On AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa's remarks that the poem by the Chief Minister was unconstitutional, Mr Moily said it was usual for the AIADMK leader to oppose the views of Mr Karunanidhi.

''It is an issue between the DMK and the AIADMK and I don't want make any comments,' he added.

Later, Mr Moily called on TNCC President M Krishnasamy at the Apollo Hospital here where he was recuperating from a stab injury sustained at Ramanathapuram District last week.

He enquired about his health and wished him a speedy recovery.

UNI