CHENNAI: Signalling his willingness to rope in his alliance partners, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Thursday said the alliance had received the honour of forming a coalition government.

"This alliance has got that honour," he said, when asked if there was the possibility of the first coalition government being formed in Tamil Nadu. He added that he was yet to meet leaders of the alliance parties and hence would be able to give a clear reply only after meeting them. "After meeting them I am obliged to give you a detailed reply," he said.

Mr. Karunanidhi, who won his eleventh election and is slated to become Chief Minister for the fifth time, said all the promises in the manifesto would be implemented in a phased manner.

Reiterating that the rule of law would reign supreme, he said there would be no planned witchhunt in the wake of the change in government.

On the case filed against Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss and his son R. Anbumani, he said the DPA had already petitioned Governor Surjit Singh Barnala. After finding out what action he had taken, a decision would be made.

Mr. Karunanidhi said the statue of Kannagi would be re-installed on the Marina at an early date. The statue needed repairs and these would be carried out before installation.

On the decision of the Cauvery Tribunal to withdraw its order formation of an expert panel, he said he had no hesitation in welcoming the decision.

On the projects that needed immediate attention, he said the slum board tenements in areas such as Kotturpuram and Nochikuppam, constructed about 35 years ago, were in bad shape and could collapse at any time.

This would be taken up first whether in Chennai or elsewhere, he said.

Asked about his views on the proposed hike in price of petroleum products he retorted: "I share your views."

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