DMK pulls out of BJP-led govt protesting tough anti-terror law

The withdrawal of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) will not pose an immediate threat to the stability of Vajpayee's Hindu nationalist-led government, which counts on the support of more than 20 parties.

The DMK will continue to vote in parliament with Vajpayee's government on an issue-by-issue basis, party president M. Karunanidhi told reporters in Tamil Nadu state's capital Madras.

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The party charges that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha Jayaram has abused the Prevention of Terrorism Act by jailing a number of her political opponents, including DMK leaders.

Other critics say the anti-terror act, passed in March 2002, has been used disproportionately against India's Muslim minority.

"The DMK no longer desires to be part of the government when it is seen as creating an unhealthy situation," a party resolution said.

Vajpayee's Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party has responded that the anti-terror law was needed at a national level despite the potential for abuse by provincial authorities.

PTI adds: DMK ministers in the Union Government, TR Baalu and A Raja would resign from the Vajpayee ministry either on Saturday evening or on Sunday.

Disclosing this to reporters soon after the DMK announced its decision to snap ties with the NDA, Environment and Forest Minister Baalu said he and Union Minister of State for Health A Raja would submit their resignations either this on Saturday or on Sunday.

Baalu, who is also the leader of the DMK Parliamentary Party leader, said the party members would sit along with the NDA supporting parties in the Parliament from Monday.