DMK chief M Karunanidhi appeals party men to safeguard democracy

CHENNAI: DMK chief M Karunanidhi today appealed to party cadres to work for the protection of democracy as there was an "emergence of money power and erosion of democracy" in the state.

"We are running the party at a time when there is an erosion of democracy in Tamil Nadu and the emergence of money power..", he said at the party's "Mupperum Vizha" (party function) held at its headquarters here.

"Therefore, in order to protect democracy and evade money power and to avoid dictatorship rule, we all should work together", he said.

He asked the cadres to work for the welfare of Tamil language and for the development of DMK.

DMK treasurer M K Stalin, rubbishing reports that attempts were being made to create a rift between him and his father, said, "Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) would be the DMK's Chief Minister candidate for the 2016 Assembly polls".

Later, Karunanidhi presented various awards including the famous Kalaignar Award to Tamil film comedian 'Kumari' Muthu which comes with a memento and cash of Rs 50,000 and also honoured school toppers.