The "manner" in whichformer Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi was arrested by the state policecame under an all out attack from political parties, including ruling AIADMK'sallies.
Congress spokesman S. Jaipal Reddy described as "improper andunacceptable" the manner in which the arrest was executed. Left parties,CPI-M and CPI, also reacted on similar lines and cautioned the state governmentagainst adopting a "vindictive" attitude.
The reaction of these parties assumes significance as they are allies of theAIADMK led by Chief Minister J. Jayalalitha in Tamil Nadu while AIADMK is partof the Congress-led coalition in Pondicherry.
The Centre's concern over the developments was reflected in Law Minister ArunJaitley's reaction. Criticising the Jayalalitha Government, he resented that"private agenda prevailed upon rule of law".
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"We are deepely concerned with what is happening in Tamil Nadu,"Jaitley said adding "TV visuals, showing the manner in which the formerChief Minister Karunanidhi and two central Ministers have been treated by StatePolice, are extremely disturbing.
The allies of the NDA, of which the DMK is a constituent, have launched ascathing attack on the Jayalalitha government and asked the Centre to take"tough action" against it.
JD (U) spokesman Mohan Prakash described the police action as"atrocious, barbaric and against democratic norms" and accusedJayalalitha of "acting out of sheer political vendetta".
TDP leader K Yerannaidu described the arrest of Karunanidhi, his son Stalinand roughing up of two Union Cabinet ministers as a "clear case ofpolitical vendetta".
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"Parties in power should not resort to settling political scores throughdeviating from the accepted way of governance," he said.
The Samata Party said the arrest and the treatment meted out to Karunanidhireminded one of the "dark days of emergency".
The Tamil Nadu units of several NDA constituents met in Chennai and demandedimposition of President's rule in the state and called for a bandh on July twoagainst the arrests saying "jungle rule is prevailing in the state".
Former Prime Minister V.P. Singh said the manner in which Karunanidhi wasarrested was "highly condemnable" and that there should be anindependent inquiry into the incident. (PTI)
