The Hindu : National : My identity will remain: Karunanidhi

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 23, 2007
ePaper

National

National

My identity will remain: Karunanidhi

Staff Reporter

Pooh-poohs VHP leader’s threat

CHENNAI: “Even if I am beheaded, my identity will always remain in Tamil Nadu,” Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said here on Saturday, in response to offensive remarks made by VHP leader and former BJP MP Ram Vilas Vedanti.

The VHP leader earlier on Saturday said that “whosoever chopped off the head and tongue of the DMK president would be gifted in gold.”

Addressing teachers at the State conference organised by the Tamil Nadu Thodakkappalli Aasiriyar Mandram, an organisation of school teachers, Mr. Karunanidhi said his service in fields such as literature, arts, politics, left a lasting impression. “My name will be there in the diaries of Periyar, Arignar Anna and Bharathidasan,” he said.

“I commend the courage of the person who has offered gold for my head and tongue. See how valuable my head and tongue are considered!”

The Chief Minister said his service and sacrifice were sure to find him a place in the Indian postal stamp. “Do not fear, panic or worry. Whether I am there or not, I will always be with you, in your blood stream, heart beat and your very breath. No one can destroy me and render me non-existent.”

Condemned

State Ministers Arcot N. Veerasamy, K. Ponmudy and Thangam Thennarasu condemned the offensive remarks.

They urged teachers to mobilise strength and organise protest rallies.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National