Chennai: DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Sunday stoutly defended the party`s decision to drop disciplinary action against its 32 leaders, asserting they were spared after accepting their explanation, and said the move would disappoint the party`s detractors.
A day after the party expelled former Minister and Dharmapuri South district in-charge V Mullaivendan on charges of working against the party`s interest in the Lok Sabha polls and decided to drop action against 32 others, Karunanidhi warned "the party would not hesitate to take action if complaints continued to be received against those who indulge in anti-party activities".
Writing in the party organ "Murasoli", he said the decision not to axe 32 functionaries could have come as a dampener to those who dreamt that action would lead to split in DMK, but did not name anyone.
"Many expected that the 33 men who were served showcause notice would leave and join other party. Those who expected action against such members may be sad now," he remarked.
The DMK patriarch, however, said the election to district and panchayat units, to be held shortly, would give a befitting reply as the partymen would defeat those who indulged in anti-party activities and ensure election of loyalists.
Referring to the explanations of the leaders who have denied allegations against them, Karunanidhi, however, said it should not be construed that complaints received against them were "untrue".
"Being a large party there may be any difference of opinion among party cadres. Ours is a democratic party. Some complaints may be true. That is why the party asked two separate reports on the loss of DMK candidates in the Lok Sabha polls by its candidate and by the two-member committee", he said.
Rules and regulations are the soul of the party and it would not compromise on disciplinary issues, Karunanidhi said.
