Tuesday, April 18 2006 16:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Chennai: The DMK-led DPA today ( Apr 18, 2006) dismissed AIADMK supremo Jayalalithaa's electoral promise of free supply of ten kg of rice a month to ration card holders as an attempt to hoodwink the people.

As a person, holding a responsible position as the Chief Minister, she should not announce such 'policy decisions' without the Cabinet approval, DMK Chief M Karunanidhi told reporters here.

"I can make any announcement as I am not in power in the state now. But she is in a responsible position as the Chief Minister of the state and should not make any announcement without the Cabinet approval," he said referring to Jayalalitha's assurance given while campaigning in her Andipatti constituency last night.

Karunanidhi said when he promised rice at Rs. two per kg, Jayalalithaa had said it was not feasible.

"Now she has proved that her words cannot be believed," he said.

Asked what would be the stand of MDMK chief Vaiko, who had stated that the Rs two per kg rice scheme was not feasible, he said he had to 'eat humble-pie'.

Union Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram, in a statement, said Jayalalithaa was rattled by DMK's promise and had come out with the new promise.

"What would be the stand of MDMK Chief Vaiko now, who had ridiculed the DMK's promise?" he asked.