In an exclusive interview to UNI, Karunanidhi said he would rather prefer to wait for the outcome of the hustings before deciding whether it should be a DMK government or DMK-led coalition government.
Asked about poll predictions pointing to a coalition government and whether the DMK would accommodate its allies or only those the wished to join the coalition, if the DPA secured a majority, the DMK leader, in his typical witty style, said, "Let the child be born first, then we will think whether it should be named as DMK government or a DMK-led coalition government."
Mr Karunanidhi disagreed with a suggestion that there was no anti-incumbency wave against the ruling AIADMK. ''People turn up like an ocean for the DMK-led DPA poll meetings,'' he said.
The octogenarian leader declared that he would "respect and uphold the rule of law" if he was elected as chief minister for the record fifth term.
The DMK supremo, who had launched a tirade against Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for showing ''scant respect to judiciary," said "I will respect and abide by the law if I assume office as chief minister.''
The remarks assumed significance as throughout his campaigning, he had highlighted the Supreme Court's indictment on Jayalalithaa for failing to file her income tax returns. She was also censured by the Apex Court in the TANSI land deal case, he had been saying.
To a question on what impression he would like to give during his fifth term as chief minister, he said, "As far as the administration is concerned, I will go by the standards set by the Justice Party.''
Asked whether DMK deputy general secretary M K Stalin, who was denied ministerial berths when DMK came to power in 1989 and 1996 would be rewarded this time, if the party came to power, Karunanidhi said his son would not be given berth, despite demands by the alliance parties. "Whether he will be accommodated in the cabinet this time, I can only ask you to wait and see," he added.
Karunanidhi alleged that political rivalry had crept into the state politics only after the AIADMK came into existence.
As long as the present AIADMK leadership had the attitude of striking political vengeance and boastings, it would be impossible for all the political leaders to mingle freely and take part in social functions, he added.
''Your suggestion will be considered," he said when asked whether the DMK would start an institution to train aspiring politicians.
When asked whether entry of Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam led by actor Vijayakanth, in the fray was a worrying factor and whose vote bank, DMK or AIADMK, he would cut into, Mr Karunanidhi, in a sarcastic tone said, "The actor will not lay his hands on the vote banks of the two parties, but on his own bank savings.''
''Though have been in public life for more than six decades, I have been fired by idealism right from the young age," he said urging the youth to adhere to determination and develop a sense of sacrifice, irrespective of the political party they joined.
''They could flourish only if they accorded top priority to the twin qualities of determination and sacrifice, he said, " adding, "To enter politics looking for power, position and status is not acceptable.''
The youth should also realise what they should contribute to the party is more important than what they can derive from it, he added.
Asked how he wanted the DMK to be run after his tenure, Karunanidhi said, "Like it being enunciated by the guiding light of Anna'' (Founder leader and late Chief Minister C N Annadurai).
