Talking to newspersons here, he said Mr Vaiko should follow political decency and tradition, instead of indulging in mudslinging against DMK members, during his campaign.

Dr Ramadoss said it would augur well if Mr Vaiko speak politics and seek votes highlighting the five-year achievements of the AIADMK government.

''He should explain the performance of the Jayalalithaa regime so that the people would also ask him to explain his 19-month experience (the period of his detention under POTA during the Jayalalithaa regime),'' Dr Ramadoss said in a sarcastic tone.

When Eelam Tamils faced problems in Sri Lanka, fellow Tamils in Tamil Nadu were deprived of their right to cry for them during the Jayalalithaa regime and Mr Vaiko should tell this to the people, he said.

Accusing Ms Jayalalithaa of showing scant respect for political decency, Dr Ramadoss said his friend Mr Vaiko should also not stoop low during his electioneering. ''Mr Vaiko, a responsible politician, should henceforth, concentrate on issues concerning the people,'' he added.

Dr Ramadoss announced the joining of former AIADMK legislator S Arumugam. Mr Arumugam was AIADMK MLA during 1991-96, he said.

Later, DMK Deputy General Secretary M K Stalin called on Dr Ramadoss.

UNI WS SBJ KP1821