Chennai, July. 8 (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said claimed he had never said he would withdraw support to the UPA Government over the disinvestment of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC). Writing in the DMK's organ "Murasoli", he said the media had "sensationalised" his recent remarks on the issue.

Karunanidhi wrote, "I never said that I will withdraw support to the UPA Government. I am not ready to satisfy the expectations of some who are waiting for a split in the alliance.

"The DMK can support the government without being part of the ministry. There are precedents for outside support. Forgetting or concealing this fact for a short term pleasure will not alter the truth," he said.

"I do not want democracy to fall prey to the vultures who are waiting for a split in the UPA. I request the media not to blow the issue out of proportion," he said.

He denied that he had cautioned or threatened the UPA Government at the Centre with regard to the NLC issue.