`I view Kanimozhi as a party worker. None should consider that she grew (in the party) just because she is my daughter,` the veteran politician told the DMK high-level committee meeting, convened to discuss the party`s strategy following Kanimozhi`s inclusion in the chargesheet.
The Chief Minister`s words came after the meeting, attended by his sons Union Minister M K Alagiri and Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin and grand nephew Dayanidhi Maran, adopted a resolution on the 2G issue, saying the party would face it legally, a DMK statement said.
"Today she was hesitant to come to this meeting since hundreds of media persons were waiting outside her residence to ask many questions. Therefore, I myself went and brought her here. I am not doing this to save my daughter but to save the party`s image," the 87-year-old party patriarch said.
"Only I am aware of what Kanimozhi, her mother (Rajathi) and others in the house are going through. I haven`t been to the CIT Colony residence for the past three days,` he said.
He was explaining this to convey that he would not make an issue of his grievances and "pawn" the party in the process, Karunanidhi said.
Recalling Kanimozhi`s association with various social groups, he said she had organised recruitment drives across the state in coordination with District Collectors, which has benefited 1.33 lakh persons.
`She works to serve. And that is why, with the intention of popularising folk arts, she had been organising Chennai Sangamam (cultural festival) in the city which has brought her so many laurels. Those who are jealous of this are opposing her,` he charged.
CBI in its chargesheet filed in a Delhi court had accused Kanimozhi of entering into a criminal conspiracy with prime accused, former Telecom Minister A Raja, besides charging her under the Prevention of Corruption Act for taking illegal gratification through Kalaignar TV.