Speaking at a function to mark the first death anniversary of Mother Teresa here, he said that he was confident that the people would have the ability and discernment to understand this difference between government and party.

His remarks assume significance in the context of speculation that the DMK might extend support to the BJP in the event of the AIADMK withdrawing its support to the Vajpayee government.

Addressing a predominantly minority audience, he sought to dispel apprehensions expressed by a Roman Catholic bishop that the DMK is moving away from its secular path. Karunanidhi said the party would never abandon its basic principle of protecting the minorities. ``I am always with you, and I share in your joys and sorrows.'' The DMK, he said, had always maintained that any party which wasrunning a state government should work in tandem with the Union Government so that harmonious centre-state relations prevailed. At the same time, it should not hesitate to raise its voice to protect the state's rights.

``My party's approach to the Centre from its early days has been to have a smooth administrative relationship, even while fighting it out with the Union Government for the state's needs,'' he added.