Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK and its allies have called a state-wide general strike on October 1 to press for the speedy implementation of the Sethusamudram project.

A resolution to this effect was adopted at a meeting of DMK and its allies, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi said in Chennai on Monday. The resolution stated that communal forces, with the 'wily objective' of stalling the project, a long-time dream of Tamils, had been opposing it. The Centre should ignore this 'violent mob' obstructing the project, as it would be beneficial for the economic upliftment of Tamils, said the resolution.

To express people's support for the project, a state-wide bandh has been called on October 1. Another resolution urged the Centre to arrest former Bharatiya Janata Party member of Parliament Ram Vilas Vedhanti and register a case against him for allegedly issuing a threat to behead Karunanidhi.

The resolution stated that a person belonging to a 'religious chauvinist group' and acting against the Sethusamudram project had incited communal feelings through his threat. His threat had created tension among the people as it endangered the life of Karunanidhi, the resolution added.