The general strike called by ruling DMK on Thursday on the Lankan Tamils issue has evoked a mixed response with its allies including Congress backing it but AIADMK and its partners refusing to take part, slamming it as a "farce".

Chief Minister and DMK President M Karunanidhi, under mounting pressure ahead of the Lok Sabha polls for not doing enough on the Lankan issue, last night gave the strike call to protest the 'killings of innocent Tamils in Sri Lanka' and to demand immediate steps for a ceasefire.

Mr. Karunanidhi's appeal for support by all parties was rejected outright by AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa who said the strike would only cause hardship to people and her party would not participate and would go ahead with election campaign.