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Jayalalithaa opposes Sonia as PM

Jayalalithaa told reporters that Sonia's candidature reflected poorly on century-old party, which she pointed out, played an important role in the freedom movement.

She clarified that joining hands with Sonia to topple the Vajpayee government in 1999 did not mean support for her candidature as prime minister.

Recalling that she had then backed CPI-M veteran Jyoti Basu as prime minister, Jayalalithaa accused Sonia of 'scuttling' Basu's chances even though 'everyone (in the opposition) had agreed' to the same.

Jayalalithaa said her party was prepared to bring a legislation barring people of foreign origin occupying high offices like that of the prime minister if other parties supported such a move.

More reports on Tamil Nadu

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