OROP issue: M Karunanidhi slams Centre for arresting Rahul

In a statement here, Karunanidhi said condoling the death of the ex-serviceman and expressing support to agitation were an individual’s right and a democratic right. “Stifling them by resorting to arrest is a serious human rights violation, he said and urged the Centre to sort out the shortcomings and implement the OROP scheme, which was brought during the previous UPA regime.

Meanwhile, DMK on Saturday described as a ‘violation of freedom of expression’ the one-day ban on NDTV India over the Pathankot attack broadcast and said if such instances continue “It will lead to a second Emergency in the country”.

Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi and former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and leaders of various political parties on Saturday enquired about the health condition of DMK President M Karunanidhi, who was indisposed following a drug-induced allergy.

A DMK release added that Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, his cabinet colleagues, TNCC President Su Thirunavukkarasar, M Krishnasamy, KV Thangkabalu and EVKS Elangovan, former MLA and comedian S Ve Shekar and many others met DMK Treasurer MK Stalin and enquired about the health condition of Karunanidhi.