DMK defers decision on ministers' resignation

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) today put on hold the resignation of its six ministers from the UPA government in a dramatic new turn with the party and Congress engaged in hectic negotiations to sort out their seat-sharing problems in Tamil Nadu.

On a day of hectic developments, senior Congress leader Pranab Mukherjee telephoned DMK chief M Karunanidhi twice and urged him not to pull out his ministers from the Cabinet during the Budget Session and sought a day's time to resolve problems.

"Pranab Mukherjee called our President M Karunanidhi twice during the day. The Congress has asked for a day's time. So, the withdrawal of ministers from the government has been put on hold till tomorrow," Deputy Chief Minister and DMK treasurer M K Stalin told reporters at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai.

Asked when the issue will be resolved, Stalin said: "They have asked for a day."