DMK chief M Karunanidhi today lauded his arch political rival Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa for her decision to release the seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi Assassination case as the state cabinet move came in for praise from leaders cutting across party lines.

"This is not a quick decision. When I made this opinion [seeking release] in 2011, she did not accept it. However, today, I appreciate her for taking the same stance," Karunanidhi told reporters when asked if the decision could be considered a quick response.

The DMK chief also hoped that the Centre would concur with the state government's decision, saying if that happened "we could be more happy."