From correspondents in Tamil Nadu, India, 08:30 PM IST

All India Congress Committee general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad Thursday charged the AIADMK-led opposition in Tamil Nadu with 'spreading rumours' about the plight of Sri Lankan Tamils for 'purely petty political reasons'.

Addressing reporters after a meeting with DMK strongman and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, Azad said: 'The AIADMK and its allies PMK and MDMK are spreading false rumours about the continuing loss of lives of innocent Tamil civilians in Sri Lanka for purely petty political reasons ahead of the polls.'

'The continued endeavour of the central government has actually brought realistic succour and alleviated the suffering of the ethnic Tamil minority in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the opposition here is espousing unrealistic scenarios with the support of political parties that back anti-India elements,' Azad added.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)