Karunanidhi dismisses Sasikala's deposition as 'political drama'

Terming as "political drama" the deposition by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's estranged ally Sasikala in a Bangalore trial court, DMK chief M Karunanidhi today said he never believed in such acts.

"I never believe in political drama," he said in response to reporters' query here and expressed regret over the present plight of Sasikala's husband M Natarajan, who has been arrested.

Deposing before a trial court hearing a wealth case against them, Sasikala, a long-time confidante of Jayalalithaa, who was expelled from AIADMK in December last, had yesterday absolved the AIADMK supremo of any responsibility in handling of companies in which the two were partners.

She had described Jayalalithaa as a "dormant partner."

When asked about Natarajan's plight, Karunanidhi said it was "regrettable."

Natarajan was arrested by Tanjavur police last night in connection with a land grab complaint.

Responding to queries on the March 18 Sankarankoil (SC) bypoll, where DMK will face arch rival AIADMK, Karunanidhi said his party would highlight the "atrocities and injustice of the rulers (AIADMK) who are focusing on issues other than people's problems."

Asked if different opposition parties fielding candidates would favour AIADMK, he said, "if they consider, we will also consider," but declined to elaborate.

On the incident involving gunning down of two Indian fishermen by guards of an Italian ship, Karunanidhi said the Centre was taking steps.