Addressing the newly elected party MLAs after being elected as leader of the DMK legislature party, the octogenarian, said he was accepting the responsibility again with only to serve the people, but under a tremendous mental strain.

He might be taking up the mantle for a record fifth time, but he was not happy, he said. ''This assingment does not make me particularly happy, as I am accepting the responsibility under tremendous mental strain,'' he added.

Mr Karunanidhi said this was the first time in the history of state politics, a 69-member strong opposition would be in the House and the ruling party members should bear this in their minds.

''This calls for some introspection as the AIADMK members, who had behaved in an uncivilised manner even while being in power, will provoke us to the maximum'', he said.

''After losing power, they will come with an anger and the DMK members have to manage the situation in a way that does not mar the image of the party,'' he said.

Only if the ruling party members conducted themselves in a well dignified manner, the opposition could not blame us for anything, he said and urged the MLAs to bear this strongly in mind.

''Or else, we will be needlessly give room for the opposition to gain an upper hand,'' Mr Karunanidhi cautioned.

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