Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi criticised the opposition leader Jayalalitha's call to protest against the Marine Fisheries Bill on the grounds that it was a mere show to attract votes from the fishing community. He added that the state government has well considered the issue and the Chief Minister himself had written a letter to Union Food Minister Sharad Pawar appraising him regarding the opposition to the bill.“But she had remained quiet all this while and suddenly announced a demonstration in Delhi. She has done so only to garner the votes of the fishing community in Tiruchendur assembly by-polls (on Dec19),” said Mr Karunanidhi. The Chief Minister also added that he has instructed Union Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran to meet Sharath Pawar regarding the issue.