DMK leaders to switch sides

It appears that Parithi Ilamvazhuthi is the most sought after politician nowadays.   Sources tell whispers that both the AIADMK and MDMK are coaxing Parithi to join their party.   While Vaiko is using Deputy General Secretary post as a new year offer, the ruling AIADMK is using corruption cases as a stick to woo Parithi.

Whispers had written in detail about Parithi’s discomfiture in the DMK in “Is the DMK falling apart?” in this column. However, the grand old man of Tamil Nadu politics M Karunanidhi’s attempts to bring this internal feud seems to have become futile.  M K Alagiri and senior member of the DMK Veerapandi Arumugam were pressurizing Karunanidhi to ensure that Parithi stays in the party. But an adamant M K Stalin was in no mood to relent and has reportedly put his foot down firmly. Now Parithi feeling ‘enough is enough’ is all set to jump the ship.

Whispers doing rounds is that MDMK’s general secretary Vaiko has offered the post of Deputy General Secretary to Parithi to woo him. This post fell vacant after Poet Kudiyarasu, who was MDMK’s Deputy General Secretary, passed away in the year 2002.  Vaiko feels that Parithi’s entry into the MDMK will boost the sagging morale of the party workers, after the party’s continuous debacles in all the elections. MDMK insiders say Vaiko an old friend of Parithi is personally talking to Parithi over phone and trying to convince him.

On the AIADMK’s side, one of its key leaders from Royapuram is conducting the negotiations.   Sources close to Parithi say that he has many things to loose as his activities in the last five years will definitely land him in trouble. Parithi had granted permission to 31 building ventures in April 2011, after the dates for elections were announced. Among them are Hotel Leela Ventures in Raja Annamalaipuram, Vicoans Infra Environment and Engineering Private Limited in Adyar, and Viceroy Hotels in MRC Nagar. For these three buildings the mandatory clearance from the Environment Ministry were not obtained as they come under the Costal Regulatory Zone.  However, Parithi had granted approvals for the 31 high rise buildings and also hurriedly conducted meetings when the Model Code of Conduct was in force.

Now the AIADMK is using these planning approvals given by Parithi as a threat to bring him into its fold.  But if Parithi joins the AIADMK and no action is taken against him, then Jayalalitha’s attempt to portray her government as a corruption free regime will become a joke.  Jayalalitha’s rhetoric in the recently concluded Collector & SPs conference to prevent corruption would sound hollow.  But party sources say, Parithi fearing a long jail term has made up his mind to join AIADMK and had sought appointment to meet ‘Amma’.   Sources say Amma too had given her nod to meet Parithi which may take place on anytime in the next 48 hours.

The AIADMK has also prepared to accommodate its prodigal son ‘Anitha Radhakrishnan’ in its flock.    Anitha Radhakrishnan who had quit the AIADMK and joined DMK and won as an MLA is likely to resign his post and come back to AIADMK.    Anitha Radhakrishnan, who too was threatened with land grab cases and corruption cases, has also agreed to resign his MLA post and not seek a re-election.  It is ironic that the same assets case against Anitha Radhakrishnan was used against him by the DMK government to make him switch loyalties.   

Also whispers doing rounds in the AIADMK circles is that...the party high command has prepared a list that has names of people who are sidelined and disappointed by M K Stalin's behaviour in the party and many DMK leaders are being approached to switch sides...Sources say very soon they will be knocking the doors of “Veda Nilayam”. However, a rattled DMK is gearing up to keep their flock together…Egmore party functionaries have been summoned by the DMK party high command to be present at Anna Arivaliyam on Friday morning and M K Stalin has instructed his loyalists to maintain vigil as his authority in the party is being challenged. 

Is history repeating itself for the DMK?

Blow after blow for Amma!

It appears Amma’s fortunes are hitting an all time low. An auspicious Friday turned out to be a black Friday for Amma…as the day was filled with disappointment and heartbreaking news for Amma.

First blow was the order of the Madras High Court staying Jaya’s decison to shift the Anna Centenary Library to DPI complex.  The second blow was given by the Supreme Court which dismissed her plea for exemption of appearance from the Bengaluru Special Court which is hearing the assets case against her.

As Jayalilathaa is being constantly wrapped on the knuckles by the Judiciary…that brings us to the question…Is Jaya misguided and surrounded by a bunch of wrong advisers? Her decision to shift the Anna Centenary Library from Kotturpuram and convert the building into a super specialty pediatric hospital is not gone down well not only with her rivals but among the general public too.  Writers and artists are up in arms against the decision of Amma to shift the library.   Built on an 8 acre land with a 3.48 lakh square foot structure…this world class library is lauded by every one for its elegance, aesthetic design and collection of books.   Not everyone is ready to buy Jayalalitha’s argument that it’s being shifted for the improvement of child health care.

With this act Jayalilathaa has made it very obvious that she is narrow minded and is not able to tolerate the library which was built in a space that was identified by her during her 2001 regime to build the new secretariat.  The Madras High Court which granted an indefinite stay against the government’s decision was vociferous in its observations during the course of the hearing.   The argument of Advocate General Navaneetha Krishnan on behalf of the government invited caustic remarks from the Division Bench.   In fact at one point of time the Bench asked Navaneetha Krishnan “Are you an Advocate General or a party man?”  The AG’s arguments that there were large scale corruption in collecting amount to the tune of 177 crores from local bodies and utilizing the same for constructing this library and that the library caters only to urban students and not rural students failed to cut ice with the First Bench of the Madras High Court.  

Whispers doing rounds is that…given Jaya’s obstinacy, there is all likelihood that she will go on appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Madras High Court. 

The second blow for Amma came in the form of dismissal of her petition to furnish her replies under Section 313 Cr.P.C. in writing and for exemption of personal appearance.  Jayalalitha had earlier appeared before Special Judge Mallikarjunaiah on 20^th and 21^st of October to answer the question under 313.  But her examination could not be completed due to paucity of time.

Special Judge Mallikarjunaiah in his order on 21st October had observed that....

“I tried the level best to conclude the statement of accused No., 1 within two days i.e. on 20.10.2011 in case for any reason, it is not concluded on the same day then to conclude on 21.10.2011…. Looking into the scope and importance of the provision under section 313 CR.P.C and the incriminating materials available in the deposition of witnesses and Exhibits, I have formulated totally 1339 questions to be put to the accused. Inspite of my best efforts due to large number of question it has not possible to conclude within he said period of two days….. Learned Special Public Prosecutor submitted that there is no embargo or legal impediment to take the proceedings on day to day basis therefore this case may be posted to tomorrow…. Considering the facts and circumstances. I am of the opinion that it is better to adjourn the case by granting time till 08.11.2011.”

Despite this categorical assertion by the Judge, Jayalalitha chose to approach the Apex court…citing reasons like  there was inconvenience to the public due to her appearance in Bengaluru and over 1500 police men were deployed and prohibitory orders under Section 144 was clamped.   She offered to answer the questions in writing instead of personal appearance.

But her arguments did not convince the Division Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Judges Dalveer Bandari and Deepak Misra and her petition was dismissed...and yet again it was Diwali for Sun and Kalinjar TV.  They also made an observation that grant of any exemption would set a wrong precedence.  The bench observed, “It would tantamount to grant you privilege if we exempt you from appearance.  We cannot set a wrong precedence.”

But the Bench also directed the Special Court to fix another date other than 8^th November and suggested to complete the questioning in a day or two.

By again moving the Supreme Court for exemption, Jayalalitha continues to antagonize the trial judge, which is not a good sign say lawyers who have been following the trial closely and people who are in the know of things.

TN Cabinet reshuffle : Jaya's SIXER!!!

As reported in Whispers, the much awaited cabinet reshuffle has finally taken place and while 6 ministers have been dropped and 6 new faces have been inducted in Amma’s cabinet. 

The dropped names are C.Shanmugavelu, Rural Industries, Udhayakumar, Information Tecnology, SP.Shanmuganathan, HR & CE, NR.Sivapathy, Animal Husbandry, G.Senthamilan, Law and Buddhichandran, Food.

C Shanmugavelu who was handling Rural Industries including cottage and Small industries has been dropped because of lack of performance and because of the poor show in the local body elections.

S P Shanmuganathan who was handling Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments has been dropped due to lack of performance.

N R Sivapathy who was handling the Animal Husbandry, Milk and Dairy Development has been dropped because of AIADMK’s dismal show in the recently concluded local body elections…

Buddhichandaran who was handling civil Supplies, Consumer Protection and Price Control has been dropped because of lack of performance and also after allegations that he was favoring a group of people belonging to “Badaga” community in Nilgiris district and is being completely biased. Since Nilgiris district is DMK’s bastion…Jayalilathaa expects that a Minster from that region will strengthen her party’s base…But AIADMK insiders say that Buddhichandaran, had his own agenda to make hay while the sun shines. Whispers in the corridors of Fort St George is that...an intelligence team that was monitoring the activities of this former AIADMK Minister had sent a detailed report to the Chief Minister in this regard…following which Buddhichandaran was shown the door. 

Udhaykumar who was heading the Information Technology portfolio…seems to have annoyed Amma with is over dose of “Bakti” (Devotion) and almost incurable foot-in-mouth disease. His “Bakti” towards Amma made him attend without any footwear to the Secretariat. Infact, being an IT Minister RB Udhayakumar has been walking around barefoot…even when meeting officials and top industrialists in this condition. His argument was “Amma  is God to me. She is God to all AIADMK men. Wherever Amma is present, the place is a temple for me…So I do not put on footwear at the secretariat.” Chief Minister Jayalilathaa who was completely annoyed with this drama ordered him to put on his footwear. Despite a warning the Minister was roaming around the corridors of power bare foot. Also Whispers doing rounds is that he was in talking terms with former DMK Minister K K S S R… K K S S Ramachandaran, was an MGR loyalist defected to the DMK. Sources say an intelligence report was sent in this regard and also it was difficult for the officials working along with him… as R B U was weak in his subject. Well being a “tube light” or putting up “tube lights” for Amma seems to have annoyed her further.

G Senthamizhan who was handling some of the key portfolios like Information and Publicity, Law department, Courts and Prisons has been shown the door by Amma. The speculation doing rounds is that he has been dropped because recently he made phone calls to police officers to release AIADMK party men who were arrested…Infact, after the phone call he himself landed in a police station to mount pressure on the police to release them. But Whispers doing rounds in the AIADMK circles is that he was dropped because of his bitter rivalry with T Nagar MLA V P Kalairajan. 

Kalairajan

The turf war between V P Kalairajan and Senthamizhan is out in the open and all time high...and Kalairajan constantly kept lodging complaints against Senthamizhan with Poes Garden. V P Kalairajan has the dubious distinction of being bossy. Earlier, he ensured that Jaya’s class mate Bader Syeed and Actor S V Shekar were sidelined in the party by Amma as they did not adjust with him. Also AIADMK insiders say Amma is applying “one-man-one-post” formula as Senthamizhan, is also the South Chennai District Secretary. Whispers doing rounds in the intelligence circles is that Senthamizhan was in talking terms with Former City Mayor Ma Suburamaniam…despite a warning from Poes Garden he continued his relationship… so that has cost him dearly. Sources close to Senthamizhan say that he was hopeful that Amma will be re-designating him with better portfolio.   

The new faces inducted are S.Damodaran, R.Kamaraj, Dr.S.Sundararaj, M.Paranjothy, V.Moorthy and KT.Rajendhra Balaji. Whispers doing rounds is that… By and large all these new faces have been given cabinet berths after hectic lobbying with different power centers in the AIADMK. Whispers doing rounds is that M Ramachandran,Midas Mohan,Ravanan relatives and aides of Sasikala were approached by many AIADMK MLA's and some of these newly appointed Minister's were seen tagging along with  these power centers and also Looks like Caste and Regional balance was priority for Amma.

Sources also say based on the intelligence inputs Jayalalitha wanted to drop or atleast shif the port folios of Dr.Vijay, Velusamy, Agri Krishnamurthy and Natham Vishwanathan.  But Sasikala was firm that none of the four should be dropped…

There were also disappointments in the latest Cabinet re-shuffle…

Agriculture Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan, 3^rd in command, seems to be very disappointed…as  Information Technology has been allocated for him. A portfolio that was handled Kanimozhi’s loyalist Poongothai Aladi Aruna during the DMK regime. Usually these Portfolios are handled by Junior Ministers. Since K A Sengottaiyan ranked third in the order of Ministers he was expecting that PWD portfolio will be allotted to him... but to the surprise of many it’s was a huge climb down.

Valarmathi, she has been trying very hard to get into the Cabinet…Sources in the AIADMK say Valarmathi was very confident until the final list was out. Whispers in Poes Garden is that Jaya is not willing to take any chances by inducting her.

V P Kalairajan, as we reported he went an extra mile to impress Amma…and Kalairajan was sure that he is into the Cabinet…But looks like Amma was not impressed by his gimmicks… as there has been equal number of complaints against him lodged by Senthamizhan’s camp. 

The others who were trying hard are now bracing themselves for the next round of lobbying…and those who have been dropped have just one thing to say “There is nothing permanent except change.” But the Tamil Nadu Government's website is yet to reflect these "changes".

What’s the mystery behind Velmurugan’s expulsion from PMK?

The Pattali Makkal Katchi founder Dr.Ramadoss, expelled T.Velmurugan, Joint General Secretary and a two time MLA from primary membership from PMK for ‘anti-party activities’.  Dr. Ramadoss took this decision as a result of Velmurugan’s harsh remarks against party founder Ramadoss was the whispers doing rounds in PMK circles. 

Velmurugan began his career in politics as a member of Tamil Nationalist organization and subsequently switched over to Vanniyar Sangam floated by Ramadoss.  Vanniyar Sangam in due course transformed into a political party and since then, Velmurugan was one of the very few trusted lieutenants of the PMK chief.

The 2006 DMK rule saw Velmurugan’s fortune turn for better.  Velmurugan was reported to be very close to senior ministers of DMK and through their acquaintance was able to ‘facilitate’ deals for a lump sum commission. Even the former DMK ministers were flabbergasted by the way Velmurugan was making money.

S R Jangid IPS

Sources say Velmurugan’s friendship with two top cops in the State was very helpful for him in indulging in real estate related Katta Panchayats.   In fact, sources in intelligence say the land trio became land sharks in due course – the then suburban commissioner S.R.Jangid, the then intelligence S.P. Chandrasekar and Velmurugan were literally ruling the roost in real estate related disputes in northern parts of Tamil Nadu.   No land dispute would escape their grasp. 

Velmurugan’s clout in the ruling party rose to such an extent where the party founder Ramadoss was entirely reliant on Velmurugan as he was the only contact between the DMK.  Velmurugan was the prime negotiator in the PMK chief’s efforts for a Rajya Sabha seat for Dr.Ayya’s son Anbumani.

But relationships turned sour between Velmurugan and PMK chief during 2009-10 as there was strong theory in political circles that Velmurugan would quit PMK and join the DMK.  But Velmurugan held his ground in PMK and dispelled rumours.

Pennagaram by-polls came in handy for Velmurugam to prove his loyalty for the party. Sources close to Velmurugan say he spent nearly 3 crore rupees and was actively involved in buying votes in Vanniyar stronghold constituency. But sources say during the assembly elections, Velmurugan did not spend as much as expected of him by the party, which created a rift between him and Dr.Ramadoss. 

Also Velmurugan is seen as Dr. Anbumani’s loyalist in the party…he even wanted to capture the place of party president G K Mani. Velmurugan enjoyed full confidence of Anbumani and was used as a trump card by Anbumani against Guru…another trusted lieutenant of Dr. Ramadoss.

The change of regime saw Velmurugan’s fortunes tumble. Ramadoss, who was pushed into a corner and forced to contest alone by both the Dravidian parties was desperate to prove his strength in the local body elections, particularly in the Vanniyar dominated areas…and he was expecting a lot from Velmurugan…But the local body elections completely exposed Velmurugan due to the dismal performance of the party. 

Velmurugan

This was because Velmurugan had instructed his party aspirants in Panruti Municipality not to contest and spend money, as it is a losing battle.  Allowing all the wards in a Municipality uncontested resulted in Ramadoss’s confidence in Velmurugan hit a bottom.

As the rift between Velmurugan and Dr.Ramadoss was out in open…he was constantly under the watch of the state intelligence wing.  The intelligence wing was working overtime to poach the lonely three MLAs of PMK to please Amma.   Velmurugan who acted as an intermediary between the DMK and the PMK during the previous regime was chosen for the task.

Complaints against him were used as a tool against Velmurugan by intelligence and fearing arrests Velmurugan was dancing to their tune… As Velmurugan was in touch with several leaders and important party functionaries of the PMK to fulfill his task…Ramadoss sensed the moves and expelled him.

With this move by Dr.Ramadoss, Velmurugan taks has become easier…now he has intensified his operation to poach PMK MLA’s...Whispers doing rounds in PMK circles is that Velmurugan is now sending feelers to the dissatisfied party functionaries...while Anbumani Ramadoss is trying hard to retain his loyalist in the party . Also another Whisper doing rounds is that Velmurugan, who knows many secrets of Ramadoss is all set to reveal them as well. 

TNPSC SCAM: Needle of suspicion points Mayor’s institute?

Whispers doing rounds in Khakhi and Bureaucratic circles is that...the Probe into the TNPSC scam which was unearthed by the DVAC recently seems to have hit a roadblock following finger of suspicion pointing towards the new elected Chennai Mayor Saidai Duraiswamy ‘Manidha Naeyam IAS Academy’.  

Saidai Duraisamy, a known MGR loyalist... contested in the May 2011 assembly elections that rattled DMK's rising "SON" M.K.Stalin.  In fact Duraisamy’s poll plank was vote for me and I will make your sons or daughters an IAS officer. Duraisamy lost the election to Stalin in a marginal 5000 votes.  The goodwill generated by Duraisamy and his reputation made him the Mayor candidate and he won the Mayor elections on a record margin.

Duraisamy’s institute Manidha Neyam IAS Academy has a very good reputation of producing successful candidates both for the UPSC and TNPSC competitive examinations for free. The academy besides conducting coaching classes for UPSC and TNPSC exams also conduct coaching classes for banking exams…Saidai Duraisamy feels it’s for a noble cause.

What is TNPSC scam all about??? Click this link - DVAC's raid damakka

TNPSC Chairman Sellamuthu raided 

For the first time in the history of Tamil Nadu the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption on 14^th October conducted simultaneous raids at the residences of all the members and Chairman of TNPSC. The surprise raids resulted in the seizure of several incriminating documents pointing to a larger scam in the recruitment of various services for the Tamil Nadu state government. Lets not forget all these Members and Chairman were appointed by none other than DMK Chief M Karunanidhi.  

The documents elicited information about how the candidates managed to approach the TNPSC members and chairman to secure more marks in the personal interview in the Group.I service examinations. Whispers doing rounds among people who run coaching institutes across TN is that before the DVAC raids on TNPSC, Manidha Nayem academy was the gateway to approach TNPSC members for easy appointments by paying huge sums of money.  

Throughout Tamil Nadu, talk among the study circle and job aspirants is that Manidha Naeyam academy has good connection with the TNPSC members and they can put you in touch with the right people. Such unconfirmed talks had so much effect that many institutes chose to send their students for personal interview coaching ‘only’ to Saidai Duraisamy’s academy. 

One of the students who attended coaching classes for personal interview at Manidhaneyam academy told that the faculty members while taking classes will drop a hint saying that people with money can approach the members for appointments.  Following this cue, willing students with money approach the right persons and get what they want. Sources say Manidha Naeyam academy is constantly under the scanner of brokers who connect Job aspirants to TNPSC members. 

Since the successful candidate who secured a job and the members and touts who get their share benefit mutually…no one is ready to blow the lid off. Insiders say it all happens so systematically that even Saidai Duraisamy who runs the institute will not be able to trace.

Sources also say Saidai Duraisamy may not be aware about the scam brewing in his own backyard and the faculty members and touts have been taking him for a ride. 

Now, Whispers doing rounds is that, Saidai Duraisamy himself becoming the Mayor of Chennai city, any probe by DVAC slightly concerning his academy would never take off…Will the Mayor of Chennai clean first clean this muck!! Will he be able to nail the culprits who are exploiting his prestigious institute to make quick bucks? Will the touts be brought to book? and the TNPSC members who were using Mayor's free coaching academy as a platform to execute their operations be identified and punished? or will it be "free for all"...remains to be seen.

Rift in Tamil Nadu’s Intelligence Wing?

October 30.   It’s a time bomb that is ticking as far as the Tamil Nadu police is concerned.   October 30 is the birth anniversary of Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar.  Muthuramalinga Thevar, who is seen as a community leader of the powerful Mukkulathor community particularly in Southern Tamil Nadu…

October 30, is celebrated by the Mukkulathor community people   as ‘Thevar Guru Poojai’… this grand pooja attracts political leaders cutting across party lines and people belonging to that community use to pay their tributes to Muthuramalinga Thevar.  But, this year’s Thevar Jayanthi is eye-catching because of the police firing in Paramakudi which claimed the lives of 6 people belonging to the Dalit community…this was during a similar gala event organized by the Dalit Community to pay tribute to their icon Immanuvel sekaran…

Retd Justice Sampath Commission

Jayalalitha  was made to believe by the former ADGP intelligence T Rajenderan that the Paramakudi firing incident would fizzle out after announcement of a judicial commission…but this seems to have crestfallen… till now there is visible anger among the people in the area the issue is pretty much alive…with simmering tension ahead of “Guru Pooja” the state police is having nightmares.   In fact, the ADMK which was able to sweep the local body elections ate humble pie in all the three Town Panchayats. In Abhiramam Town Panchayat DMK’s candidate Mohammed Abubakker won, Mudhukulathur Town Panchayat romped home DMK’s Sasivarnam to victory.   In Sayalgudi an independent Rajalakshmi won.  

DGP Ramanujam

Sources in intelligence informed Whispers in Tamil Nadu that State’s intelligence chief and DGP K.Ramanujam has made it categorical that Chief Minister should not attend Thevar Guru Pooja as it could trigger more animosity between both the communities.  A detailed report in this regard has already been sent by Ramanujam, say insiders.

However, the No: 2 in the intelligence department DIG Pon. Manickavel…is seen adopting a different strategy…Apart from regular security deployment of 5000 security personnel and adequate intelligence officers …. DIG Pon. Manickavel has ordered to intensify intelligence operations further... to ensure that everything is under control. 




Sources say DIG Pon.Manickavel has issued instructions to shift a part of the intelligence team in Chennai to Ramanathapuram district to gauge the mood of the people ahead of the grand event. Whispers doing rounds in the Khakhi department is that this could be an attempt to convince Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha that law and order situation is under control and she can visit Ramanathapuram on Guru Pooja.   The officers in the cadre of DSP, Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors who had been planning for a fantastic Diwali this year are fuming over DIG Pon.Manickavel’s decision. 

DIG Pon.Manickavel

Ironically sources say DGP Ramanujam has made it clear that if Jayalalitha visits Ramanathapuram on October 30, it would be a political suicide and also would completely alienate Dalits. Ramanujam also personally feels that it would also trigger yet another round of a law and order situation in the state and could make Jaya unpopular among the people… due to this constant unrest in Southern parts of the State.

Whispers doing rounds in the Khaki department is that whether DGP intelligence is aware of this PLAN B?? Is this move approved by the DGP? Obviously, K.Ramanujam, being an officer thorough in intelligence would naturally come to know such moves…but many say this difference of opinion would ultimately lead to a rift.

Meanwhile, the DMK is waiting to capitalize in a big way… if Jayalalitha decides to participate in Thevar Guru Pooja.   DMK had instructed its ground cadres to be in touch with Dalit organizations…so that they can as the Dalit organization to effectively campaign against Jayalalitha’s and label her as Anti-dalit. Sources say VCK Chief Thirumavalavan, Pudhiya Tamilagam Chief Dr. Krishnaswamy and others are also closely monitoring the developments and are expected to be vociferous in their opposition if Jaya plans to participate in the Guru Pooja…as the situation is explosive at the ground level. 

Participating in the Guru Pooja or not is a close call for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha given the wobbly situation both politically and communally.    If she chooses to participate, she would alienate the Dalit vote which forms the core vote bank of AIADMK.  If she chooses to ignore the Guru Pooja, this would hurt her close friend Sasikala and the powerful Mukkulathor community. Insiders say with intelligence chief K.Ramanujam taking a different stand and his second in command taking another view, would result in a rift within the intelligence wing…and this could only mean catastrophe in the State.

Paramakudi riots

But Jayalalitha, being a shrewd politician she would spring a surprise say AIADMK sources…for the moment… will she or won’t she? Is something that is being hotly debated in political and bureaucratic circles!!!

All eyes on Bengaluru!

The entire DVAC top echelons are camping at Bengaluru to please Jayalilathaa…as she appears before a Special Court trying the disproportionate assets case against her.   Barring the DVAC Chief K.P.Maghendran, the entire DVAC top brass Inspector General of Police - AMS.Gunaseelan, Deputy Inspector of Police - G.Venkatraman, Superintendent of Police - TN.Venkateswaran and Deputy Superintendent of Police and Investigating Officer - G.Sambandham will be at Bengaluru biting their nails for Amma’s reaction, as she appears before the Special Court in Bengaluru for the first time since the case was transferred out of Tamil Nadu in 2003.

Sources say elaborate arrangements have been made to receive Amma and keep her in good humor. Sources inside Poes garden say that Jayalalitha is at the height of her perennial temper and had even went to the extent of refusing to appear before the Bengaluru Court.   But, people close to Jaya convinced her and made it a point that any failure to appear before the Bengaluru court would mean violation of undertaking before the Supreme Court and would result in severe backlash from the courts.

Whispers doing rounds in the “Khaki circles” is that the assets case is not only a nightmare for Jaya but for the entire team of officers working in DVAC.  Officers in DVAC wait with crossed fingers fearing sever backlash it things go against Jayalilathaa.   The nervousness is not only unique to officers in DVAC but to the entire top brass in the police and bureaucracy.   Sources say an element of uncertainty hangs above all officers…anyway it depends on Jaya’s mood for the moment.

DMK sources say it was Jayalilathaa who kept on dragging this case for the past 14 years citing various reasons…and now the case is at the point of no return. However, the DVAC officials have nothing much to do… as Jayalilathaa’s fate is now in jury’s hands. If at all her anger turns against the DVAC officials… the worst can happen is issue of transfer orders and officers will be posted in places considered to be worst in police or bureaucracy.   But, as she appears in the court the mood within the Khakhi department seems to be gloomy…and the jitters’ setting in Jaya’s top echelons of power is palpable.   As the great philosopher Heraclictus said, his words, ‘There is nothing permanent except change’ is fully applicable to Amma’s rule, given her track record. 

Sources also add that most of the senior officials in the intelligence agency, including the DIG Intelligence Pon.Manickavel are camping in Bengaluru to ensure Jaya is in good humor…this is done under the guise of supervising the much hyped security arrangements.  

Well…for the day the focus will now be on Jayalilathaa’s appearance in the court as the trial against her enters its crucial phase…and from now on the Countdown for Jayalilathaa begins… 

Amma’s double whammy…..!!!

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has given a double whammy to her detractors by making a last ditch effort to avoid personal appearance in the 66 crore wealth case against her in the Bengaluru Special Court.  Earlier in September, Jayalalitha had made an application before the Apex court in which she cited security concerns for exempting her from appearing in the special court.  The court had directed the Karnataka government to make adequate security arrangements and sought Jayalalitha’s convenient date for appearance for which she chose October 20…a day after the local body elections. Sources say the election date was decided by the State Election Commission keeping Jaya’s wealth case in mind.

Jayalalitha’s volte face to postpone her appearance has raised many eyebrows in legal circles.  The trial against her has reached a crucial stage and repeatedly filing petition after petition in the courts may hamper her case and would leave her out of options.   However Amma was persistent and filed yet another petition in the Supreme Court for postponement of her appearance as the Karnataka government has failed to provide the details of security arranged for her appearance.  She has also adopted a ground in her petition that since she is under NSG cover, the NSG guards have to be informed well in advance about the arrangements made and they have to visit the location beforehand.

Whispers doing rounds is that…Jayalalitha’s sudden change of heart to refrain from appearing may have something to do with the arrest of former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S.Yedyurappa.  An arrest warrant was issued against him based on charges of corruption and to evade arrest, Yeddy surrendered before the court amidst high drama… Former Chief MInister B.S.Yedyurappa and his former minister's Reddy Brothers are in the Parappana Agrahara (Central Prison) in Bengaluru.

Ironically Justice Mallikarjunaiah has also chosen the same Parappana Agrahara as the venue for Jayalalitha to appear on the 20^th of October.  When the Supreme Court directed the Bengaluru Special Court to make adequate arrangements for Amma’s security, the Judge directed the Karnataka police to come up with suggestions. The Bengaluru Commissioner of Police suggested the Judicial Academy, Balabrooie Guest House, Jakkkur Flying School and the Special Court inside the Parappana Agrahara (Central Prison).

Though Jayalalitha’s counsel opted for the Flying school as a favorable venue, the Judge chose Parappana Agrahara.  If Jayalalitha makes her appearance on October 20 in Bengaluru, technically she will be entering the same prison where former Karnataka Chief Minister landed last week.  Yeddy and Reddy as an accused in judicial custody and Jaya as an accused facing trial, but both on corruption charges…this will be the perfect timing for the DMK to dent Jaya’s image.

Parappana Agrahara (Central Prison)

As the DMK is ready with its game plan as Jayalilathaa was expected to make personal appearance…a desperate Jayalilathaa is making a final attempt to evade yet another embarrassment at a time when the issue of corruption is rocking the country…However the Cavuery issue which was in the back burner came handy for the Queen Bee…

Jayalilathaa immediately shot off a letter to Prime Minister demanding the final Tribunal order should be published in the gazette as required under section 6(1) of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. The timing of the letter has raised many eyebrows as the Cauvery issue was in the back burner for quite some time owing to the adequate monsoon rains and political reasons.

Why Jayalilathaa wanted to rake up this issue? The reason is quite simple …Cauvery issue has always been a volcanic issue between the two neighboring states…  Any order favoring Tamil Nadu would quickly trigger law and order situation in Karnataka as linguistic chauvinists in Karnataka will oppose it for political mileage. After putting things into place…a desperate Jaya once again approached the Supreme Court seeking expemtion from personal appearance due to security reasons.

Well there is every possibility that the Apex court may defer the date of appearance from October 20^th to some other date till adequate security arrangements are made.

Sources say Jayalilathaa has decided to take up the Cavuery issue seriously with the Center…so that Kannada chauvinistic forces may vehemently oppose her entry into the State. Since it’s a matter of State’s interest including the DMK all other political parties will left with no other option except to back Jayalilathaa…While all this is happening whispers doing rounds is that Jayalilathaa’s plan is to again approach the Supreme Court to shift the Bengaluru Court to Tamil Nadu for making her personal appearance citing the volatile situation in Karnataka.

Sensing Jayalilathaa’s larger game plan the DMK Chief Karunanidhi was quick to react to Jayalalitha’s move on Cauvery stating that Jayalalitha’s only wish is to get adjournment and that is why she is raking up the Cauvery issue.

Sources in the Central Government say it is for the NSG to object to paucity of time to inspect the place of Jaya’s visit. But the DMK is also likely to take up this issue with the Home Minister who controls NSG to expose Jayalilathaa’s desperate “drama”. An interesting point to be noted is that Home Minister P Chidambarm is Jaya’s yet another arch rival.  During her first visit to Delhi after assuming charge as the Chief Minister…Jayalilathaa demanded P Chidambaram’s resignation saying he fudged 2009 election results. Also when the issue of internal bickering between two senior ministers of the UPA was out in open…Jayalilathaa once again demanded his resignation…Chidambaram's loyalists in the State are accusing Jaya of indirectly targeting their leader once again.

With DMK making serious efforts to raise from the rubble and making full fledged preparations to gain maximum political mileage out of Jaya’s appearance in court on charges of corruption, as the issue of corruption is hotly debated all over the country, Amma is desperate for a temporary reprieve.

Whether Amma’s double whammy would yield results and get her a reprieve from Supreme Court would be known today. While on one hand Jaya is trying her luck...on the other elaborate arrangements have been made in Chennai for Jayalilathaa's visit to Bengaluru...