TN opposition parties welcome Karnataka's decision to appeal against Jaya acquittal

DMK terms it as the 'right' step by the ruling Congress

Opposition parties in Tamil Nadu today welcomed Karnataka government's decision to appeal against chief minister J Jayalalithaa's acquittal in a wealth case, with DMK terming it as the "right" step by the ruling Congress.

"Karnataka has taken the right step. It is a welcome one," party spokesperson TKS Elangovan told reporters here.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M Karunanidhi, besides other leaders, had been urging the Karnataka government to appeal against Jayalalithaa's acquittal.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief EVKS Elangovan lauded his party-led government in Karnataka for "quickly deciding" on approaching the apex court with an appeal before the 90-day deadline.

"The (Karnataka) high court had completely turned down the sentence awarded to Jayalalithaa and three others (N Sasikala, J Ilavarasi and VN Sudakaran) by the trial court. After two such different judgements there will be justice in the Supreme Court," he said in a statement.

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss, who had written to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah asking his government to appeal against Jayalalithaa's acquittal, said: "albeit a little delayed decision, it is a welcome one."

Ramadoss said if the Karnataka government had immediately heeded to his demand, "at least Jayalalithaa becoming chief minister could have been avoided" by trying to secure a stay against the high court verdict.

"Karnataka should file an appeal, highlighting the loopholes and seek a stay order against the High Court judgement," he added.

BJP state unit president Tamizhisai Soundararajan said since two different verdicts were given in this case -- conviction by lower court and acquittal by High court-, the appeal will give "clarity" to the people of the state.