``What do you know about the law and order situation in the State over the last three months? You don't know anything. I know that some of you have called my office for details. I have asked my staff to provide false information. If you ask me, I too will lead you down the wrong path. Law and order is a sensitive issue and intelligence reports should not be disclosed. False information is being provided to keep you happy,'' the Chief Minister said, after the Cabinet meeting.

``For the last three months, you have all been fooled. If you ask us information relating to the law and order situation, we will not give the accurate details,'' Nayanar added. Asked if the police too had been directed to mislead the media,Nayanar said, ``No, that is another department.''

Law Minister E Chandrasekharan Nair and Finance Minister T Sivadasa Menon, who flanked the Chief Minister, could only watch as Nayanar went on and on about how the media had been taken for a ride. Seizing an opportunity, Menon intervened to say that it would be prudent to stop debate on the topic.