Reacting to the arrest of former minister and DMK's strongman in Tiruchi, K. N. Nehru, on Thursday, former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi said that there appeared to be an “undeclared Emergency” in the State.
Mr. Karunanidhi, who came to the Assembly lobby to sign the attendance register, was asked for his comments on the spate of arrests of DMK functionaries, including Mr. Nehru, on land grabbing charges. “They are demonstrating that there is an undeclared Emergency,” he said.
Asked if the party would launch a sustained protest, Mr. Karunanidhi said that he alone could not answer that question. The party had an executive committee, general council and other senior leaders. “I have to consult them.”
Asked whether he would participate in the Assembly proceedings, Mr. Karunanidhi said there was no possibility of his occupying the seat allotted to him as there was no provision for a wheelchair. Asked if other DMK members would attend, he said, “The ruling party believes that it is good that the DMK is not participating in the proceedings.”
