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Dismissal demand not discussed with PM, says Karunanidhi

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today expressed confidence that his government would last its full term as Prime Minister A B Vajpayee had ruled out misuse of Article 356 of the Constitution.

The demand for the dismissal of his government did not come up at his meetings with Vajpayee and Home Minister L K Advani today, Karunanidhi told reporters.

The law and order situation in Tamil Nadu was discussed with Advani as the home minister talked about growing militant violence in the country, he said.

Advani mentioned such violence in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and of late down south, the chief minister said.

Replying to a question, Karunanidhi said his visit had nothing to do with the Jain Commission report, interim or final. He, however, expressed the hope that the report would be tabled in Parliament without any delay.

The home minister agreed to assist the Tamil Nadu government in checking terrorist crimes. His government sought deployment of Rapid Action Force in Coimbatore, raising of two additional India Reserve battalions for the state and Rs 100 million central funds for modernisation of the state police force. Advani had assured to look into the demands, Karunanidhi said.

Asked whether All India Anna DMK chief J Jayalalitha was in a position to ''blackmail'' the Centre for the removal of his government, Karunanidhi would only say that he did not raise the issue of anyone demanding his dismissal.

UNI

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