CM refuses to comment on compulsory voting

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday said he would express his opinion on the idea of make voting compulsory in local body polls after it ‘‘fructifies.”

‘‘Divergent views have been expressed by leaders in Tamil Nadu on this matter,” he said, responding to a query raised in the context of the Gujarat Assembly adopting legislation to make mandatory voting in the local body polls.

Mr. Karunanidhi is likely to leave for Bangalore on Thursday for a brief stay, according to a senior official.