Attacking Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief M Karunanidhi for his election promise of free television sets for every household, Dalit Panthers of India leader Tirumavalavan has said the proposed scheme was aimed at improving his 'family business'.

Instead of free TV sets, the DMK chief should have come forward with free education for students up to research level, Thirumavalavan said, addressing a campaign meeting at Sirkazhi on Sunday.

• Also See: The Five-State Fight

"Education will aid in developing the society. Free televisions would aid in improving family business," he said, in an apparent reference to the television network being run by the Maran family.

Questioning Karunanidhi's contribution to Tamil language, Thirumavalavan said the DMK chief "was always talking about 'Tamil and Tamil people' but has done nothing for the development of the language".

Complete Coverage: Tamil Nadu: Coalition Calling?