Addressing a press conference after the DMK-led DPA was swept to power in the May eight polls, he recalled his assurance to this effect while he was winding up his meeting and said his government would uphold the rule of law.

''Our government will be governed by the rule of law. There will be no witch-hunting'', he added.

It may be recalled that when the DMK trounced the AIADMK in the 1996 assembly polls, it had filed several cases of corruption against Ms Jayalalithaa and a few of her erstwhile cabinet colleagues.

Referring to the DMK's promise of hiking the marriage assistance from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 for girls below poverty line and the AIADMK's offer of four gram of gold coin for making 'thalis' for girls at the time of marraige, Mr Karunandihi sought the AIADMK's support in implementing the scheme.

''When I announced the marriage assistance scheme for poor women from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, Ms Jayalalithaa came up with a new offer of half a sovereign gold coin. Now we will provide Rs 15,000 for conducting the marriage. Ms Jayalalithaa is welcome to participate in the weddings by presenting four grams of gold to the bride''.

Ms Jayalalithaa, by taking part in the wedding, ''should help to overcome the political rivalry''.

Seeking to put an end to the long standing rivalry between the two political heavyweights in the State, the DMK Chief appealed to AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa to join hands with the government to usher in a new political culture in the state.

''Let us start a new chapter to end this acrimony and bitterness between the two parties. If the AIADMK joins hands with the government in implementing the scheme, a new chapter could be started between the two parties.

''This will help in shrugging off the bitter rivalry of the past and usher in a new political culture'', he added.

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