DMK must convince Congress on Rajiv killers’ release: Jayakumar

The State cabinet had passed a resolution on Saturday deciding to recommend their release under Article 161 of the Constitution, which relates to the power of the Governor to grant pardons and to suspend, remit and commute sentences in certain cases.

“We are confident that the Governor will respect the overall feelings of the people of Tamil Nadu and approve the cabinet decision on their release,” Jayakumar said.

Training his guns on the DMK, which is in alliance with the Congress, Jayakumar asked if the party could impress upon its ally to respect people’s sentiments. 

The Congress on Tuesday opposed the move and lashed out at both the Central and the State governments over the matter.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala had said that there should be no compromise on terrorism and terrorists and it was time to show the mirror to Modi and the AIADMK government, who were adopting a “soft approach” towards terrorists.

Posing a question to M K Stalin, Jayakumar said, “Their (convicts’) release is the overall feeling of Tamils and people of Tamil Nadu and has been for a long time. Will the DMK leader impress upon Congress and ask it to reconsider its stand and be in sync with public sentiments?” 

“If DMK respected the feelings of Tamil people on this matter, then it should convince the Congress. Otherwise, is the DMK ready to say it will quit the alliance?”