New Delhi: Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on July 13 said the Centre would consider any recommendation by the Tamil Nadu government for a ban on Vaiko's Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) party, a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituent, which has been accused of supporting Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

"If the state government sends any such proposal, the Centre will think about it," he told Doordarshan in an interview. He was replying to a question on a statement by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa seeking a ban on MDMK.

Referring to Vaiko's arrest, Advani said he had told party leaders that the government would make no comment on the issue as law and order was a state subject.

However, he said he would not come in the way if BJP leaders commented on whatever they thought was right on the issue.

Observing that Jayalalithaa had written to him and also sent a cassette of Vaiko's speeches, the DPM said that he had asked the Home Ministry to submit a full report on it. "But beyond that, I have not done anything," he stated.

Asserting that the ensuing Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir must be free and fair, Advani said he was "hopeful" that elections there would be held under Governor's rule.

"As per the Constitutional provisions, Governor's rule in J&K can be imposed only on the recommendations of the state government. Discussions are on in this regard with the state authorities," he said.

Replying to questions on the Assembly elections, Advani said, "There is a possibility of Governor's rule being imposed in J&K at the time of Assembly elections."

Observing that the Centre wanted all eligible voters in Kashmir to participate in the polls, the DPM said the elections should be free, fair and peaceful and the electorate must have a sense of security.

He voiced confidence that the people's trust in the electoral process would go up if the polls are held in a proper atmosphere.

PTI