Kamal skips Karunanidhi statue unveiling ceremony

In a press conference at Madurai airport, Kamal said that he had never responded in the affirmative to the invite extended by DMK president MK Stalin for the event as he had prior engagements with his party Makkal Needhi Maiam.

He added that he had great respect for the late Karunanidhi and that he did not have to prove it by all his actions. 

It was widely believed that Kamal would attend the event before rumours picked up that there is a possibility of an alliance between the DMK, Congress and Makkal Needhi Maiam. The news prompted Kamal to take to Twitter to address his supporters. He said that such rumours were false and that the party was started with certain goals that would not be compromised for short term gains. 

Speaking on the destruction caused by Cyclone Gaja, Kamal said that the state government must be more proactive and politicians and officials must visit the affected areas. He added that many parts have not seen any official assessment of the damage and monetary compensation must be dispensed. 

On the NGT order to reopen the Sterlite plant against the wishes of the people, Kamal said that it was up to the state now to mount a strong legal challenge. He added that the politicians must respect the wishes and desires of the people and it would become easy to act on them.