Chennai, Oct 29: Dissatisfied with the ordinance giving more powers to Pota Review Committee, DMK, a constituent of NDA, today demanded that the Act be repealed as it was being "misused" by Tamil Nadu government to "harass" its political opponents. DMK president M Karunanidhi, in a statement, said it was important to note how a law brought with a good intention was being misused in the state.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa had opposed the central ordinance which only showed her 'vindictive attitude' towards political opponents, he said. Karunanidhi wanted to know how the ordinance could prevent the act's misuse "when such a government is bent upon harassing political opponents, government officials and workers in the state."
He said though the ordinance had not given 'full satisfaction', people were relieved that at least some remedial measures were being taken by the Centre.
"But Jayalalithaa issued a statement protesting against the ordinance. There is no limit to the vindictive attitude of the Tamil Nadu government", he said.
India was one of the signatories to a United Nation's treaty which had clearly stated that nobody should be put behind bars until investigation was completed, he said.
All those arrested under Pota, including MDMK chief Vaiko, should be released, he said.
He also demanded the repeal of Essential Services Maintenance Act and Tamil Nadu version of the Act as they were "anti-worker".
Bureau Report