Jayalalithaa against PM falling under Lokpal radar

Chennai, Jun 28: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was in her rhetorical best in her television interview to

channel. Speaking on a range of issues, she deftly answered questions on Lokpal Bill, national security and the DMK's failing clout in the state. She also stated how one needs to be flexible in the world of politics.

Jayalalithaa also said that she was not in favour of including the Prime Minister under the purview of the Lokpal and said, “The Prime Minister should be excluded from the purview of the bill as he is already covered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the CBI can investigate." She stated that such a scenario would undermine the PM's authority and pave the way for a parallel government.

On the much talked about issue of putting the PM under the Lokpal radar, the most part of the interview was centered around the topic. She also reasoned on her decision and said, “It would seriously dent the PM's authority even if charges were proved wrong. The Prime Minister will be put on the defensive and he has to constantly defend himself."

On her views on the Lokpal Bill draft, she said that she would do so only after the final draft is tabled before the Parliament.

She also commented on the changing power equations with the Centre when the interviewer stated her last November offer to the Congress to offer her support. She said on this that this was a one-time offer.

When asked about her political ambitions in Delhi and a more prominent role in the Centre, she replied, “I take life as it comes. I never planned for a career in politics, never ever thought of becoming Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. I did not want to become either but somehow I became." She however added that she had ambitions for her state and for her country.

OneIndia News