New Delhi - As India gears up for general elections, politicians in India's southern Tamil Nadu state are hyping their rhetoric regarding Sri Lanka's ethnic Tamils, news reports said Friday. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Karunanidhi, who has never supported the rebel Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in the past, appealed to the Sri Lankan government to treat LTTE leader Prabhakaran with dignity even if he was defeated, the NDTV television channel reported.

Karunanidhi's comments during a political rally came a day after rival politician Vaiko warned of a bloodbath in Tamil Nadu if Prabhakaran was harmed.

The Congress Party, which has an alliance with Karunanidhi's DMK, was the only party treading a different path.

Party spokeswoman Jayanthi Natarajan said: "The LTTE is a banned organization in India and in at least 50 other countries. We cannot forget that one of our most beloved leaders Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the LTTE."

The Sri Lankan Tamil issue is highly charged in India's Tamil Nadu state, which has a population of over 62 million Tamils.

Various groups, including some regional political parties, have demanded that the Indian government puts pressure on Sri Lanka to protect Tamil civilians.

In February groups of lawyers clashed with the police as they protested India's "lack of action" in taking up the plight of Tamil civilians caught up in the civil war between the Sri Lankan government and LTTE rebels.

Tamil politicians have been playing up the emotive issue as they seek the support of voters.

Elections in the state are scheduled to be held on May 13 in the last phase of India's staggered elections.

"If Prabhakarn is harmed, I warn you there will be a bloodbath in Tamil Nadu," Vaiko, who leads the MDMK party, said at an election rally Wednesday. "If India assists the genocide happening in Sri Lanka the people will lose confidence in the Indian system and Indian unity ... don't jeopardize the unity and integrity of India."

Karunanidhi's government has registered a case against Vaiko under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Law. But Karunanidhi, too, said Thursday the Sri Lankan government should take a conciliatory approach towards Prabhakaran.

Addressing Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse, Karunanidhi said: "Irrespective of the consequences of the war and what happens to Prabhakaran, treat him and Eelam Tamils honourably and equally by sharing power. Otherwise, history will not forgive you." (dpa)