President poll: I always respected Kalam, says M Karunanidhi

Chennai: DMK chief M Karunanidhi, who had said naming of APJ Abdul Kalam in the presidential race has led to chaos, on Sunday maintained that he always respected the former President.

"Some people are trying to divert the issue. Abdul Kalam himself knows how much I value and respect him and the high post he held. I would always respect him," Karunanidhi told reporters.

The DMK patriarch had on Friday said, "Kalam in Tamil also means chaos. Anyhow, chaos has broken out in the Presidential election."

The DMK chief said that Abdul Kalam himself knows how much I value and respect him and the high post he held.

Announcing UPA's Presidential candidate Pranab Mukherjee's visit to Chennai on June 30, he said, "For the first time, Pranab Mukherjee would come to Chennai on June 30 to meet the electors. He would seek votes from MPs and MLAs. Arrangements have been made for a reception."

Chances of Mukherjee becoming the President are "bright", he said.

He declined to comment on senior BJP leader LK Advani's observation that there was confusion in the Congress over the Presidential polls.

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