"We will do nothing to hurt the Tamil Nadu government. We are committed. They (DMK) are part of our government. We will not disturb the state government remotely, directly or explicitly," Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said.

He was replying to a spate of questions on the apex court's observations that if there was no compliance with its order on bandh, it will have to direct the government to impose President's rule.

Maintaining that the issue did not figure in the Union Cabinet meeting, Dasmunsi said Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is "one of the stalwarts" not just of the DMK but of the entire country.

He said the Chief Minister has begun a "fast and (is) not violating the court order. This is a non-violent response showing respect to Mahatma Gandhi's ideals a day ahead of his birth anniversary."

Karunanidhi, Dasmunsi said, has set an example through his support and concern for the poorest of the poor, the scheduled castes and tribes, minorities and the downtrodden sections of the people.