DMK: Battle of the bloods !!!

The DMK which has weathered many storms in the past is battling the worst cyclone ever.    “A son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair” said Machiavelli.   The desperation of Karunanidhi’s siblings appears to be the eye of the storm.  Karunanidhi looks like a cornered cat...  A man without options....  And an old man in despair ....   Karuna’s extreme anxiety and frustration echoed in his speech. "There is no need for me to beg for votes to remain the party president. We will conduct an election for the post at the next general council meeting. Let the outcome decide who will lead the party" spoke Karunanidhi  in the DMK’s general council meeting. 

The serious infighting within the family was out in the open and reached a crescendo, even before the much hyped DMK high level committee meeting followed by General Council. While M.K.Stalin was determined to end his long wait for ascendancy  MK Azhagiri, threw his hat in the ring and threatened to boycott the general council if there was change in leadership.  For her part,  Kanimozhi's mother Raasathi Ammal pressurized Karunanidhi to elevate her - A proposal that was opposed by all the stakeholders - Stalin, Azhagiri, Karunanidhi's daughter Selvi and the Marans.

Till Kanimozhi was in prison, Karunanidhi entire focus was getting her daughter out of prison.    To save his daughter he went to the extent of shifting the entire blame on A.Raja, his erstwhile blue-eyed boy.   While Karuna was glued to Delhi, the DMK’s much hyped strongman MK.Alagiri was running for cover from the onslaught of Amma and her police. Alagiri was seen shunting between Delhi and Madurai with his family and had even packed off his son Durai Dayanidhi abroad.    Stalin utilized this opportunity to strengthen his ground.    Stalin who has become a crafty politician had slowly and carefully started building his armory for a final onslaught. As a first measure, Stalin ensured that Kalaignar TV comes under his control completely which was reported to be Kanimozhi’s dream project.   Stalin made his confidant P.V.Kalyanasundaram as its Director, even without informing major stakeholders Kanimozhi and Sharad Kumar.   

After taking over Kalignar TV indirectly, M K Stalin's focus was to capture the party and the best way is to bring about some organizational changes and place his loyalists at all levels, which is seen as a plot against Karunanidhi.

The chanakya of Tamil Nadu seems to have sensed M K Stalin's ulterior motives and DMK insiders say that Karunanidhi decided to throw spokes in Stalin’s roller coaster ride.    Sources say it was Karunanidhi who instigated DMK strongman Veerapandi Arumugam to speak against Stalin’s elevation.

While addressing the meeting, Mr Arumugam,  said it would not augur well for the party if one section in the South was led by one son and another section in the North by another son.  Immediately after hearing this, Stalin’s supporters who were in large numbers were up on their feet and started shouting slogans against Arumugam, which forced him to cut short his speech.

Karunanidhi who is used to browbeat any opposition found it surprising that such slogan shouting and throwing of chairs happened in front of him.   Karuna referred to the violent incidents in his speech and said that  some goondas had entered the meeting in the guise of supporting Mr Stalin and had tried to drive a wedge in the party though Mr Arumugam had not said anything objectionable.   Karuna also made it categorical that the decision of leadership would be taken after a year.The fact that he had to wait for one more year to don the mantle drove Stalin wild. He was furious and left Anna Ariyaliyam in a huff. Sources close to M K Stalin say that he so dejected by the way Karunanidhi candidly opposed his plans and is being a hurdle. A furious Stalin almost decided to put in his papers is the whispers doing rounds in DMK circles.

Immediately after the General Council meeting the entire top brass of the DMK went into a huddle, Karunanidhi held another rounds of serious talks with the party seniors, then a team of top level leaders of the DMK TR Baalu, Dayanidhi Maran and others including Selvi landed at M K Stalin's cenatoph road residence to pacify him.

But Stalin is on a war mode say sources.  He understands that it is now or never.   Stalin who used to be a docile person now wants to ascertain himself due to the new player in the fray – Kanimozhi.   It remains to be seen, who emerges as the winner in the Battle of Bloods - the father or the Son.

Kani’s home coming: A show of pomposity

Kanimozhi’s homecoming after 193 days of incarceration in Tihar was nothing but a show of pomposity by the DMK’s first family. The roads to CIT colony from the Chennai Airport wore a festive look, thanks to the big purse of Kani’s mother Rasathi Ammal.   

Sources tell whispers that R.N.Durai, a stooge of Rasathi Ammal was entrusted with the task of making all arrangements for Kani’s grand and gala home.   Hoardings and banners were erected all along the route from Airport to CIT Colony.   Posters depicting Kanimozhi as the victim of conspiracy, and a brave person who broke the conspiracy were visible...and this seems to have irritated her half brother M K Stalin...as all his loyalists maintained low key during the event to avoid public anger.
 

Hundreds of workers who were ‘arranged’ to come to the airport were seen eagerly waiting for their Briyani packets.  The airport was virtually taken over by the so called Kanimozhi supporters much to the discomfiture of passengers.  Apart from the Kerala’s Singari and Chendai Melam, Tamil Nadu’s own ‘Thappattam’ ‘Parai melam’ besides the regular band troupes were seen in action at the Airport.

Since the airport was put on high alert ahead of December 6... the CISF security forces had a tough time to ensure security and control the swelling crowds...Things seem to be out of control for almost 2 hours at the Airport...additional forces from the CISF were called in...However, Chennai city police officials consciously kept themselves away to avoid criticism.  DMK insiders say in the melee around 200 wallets and 150 mobile phones went missing!!!. It was a complete breach of security at the Chennai Airport and an angry  CISF has sent a report to the Home Ministry in this regard say Airport sources.

Initial speculation was that Kani on arrival from Delhi would go straight to her house at CIT colony and then meet the DMK patriarch and her father at Anna Arivalayam to make it significant that Kani is here to stay in the party. But the octogenarian leader was forced by Raasathi Ammal to receive her at the Airport as his visit to the airport would sent out a clear message to the party leaders and cadres.   Either you are with Kani or against Kani. 

Alas !!!   Everyone in the party thronged to mark their presence to welcome Kani.  The visitors include DMK’s ‘uncertain heir apparent’ MK.Stalin.   Many eyebrows were raised when a visibly disinterested Dhayalu Ammal too marked her presence in the airport.  Dhayalu Ammal’s presence assumes significance, in the wake of the condition imposed by the Delhi High Court while granting bail to her. The first condition of the bail order of Delhi HC reads “The appellants shall not directly or indirectly make any inducement, threat or promise to any person acquainted with the facts or the case so as to dissuade him to disclose such facts as may be necessary to the Court or to any other authority”.

Dhayalu Ammal is Witness No.143 in the CBI’s charge sheet, in her capacity as Director and Shareholder of Kalaignar TV.    It would not be surprising if any one approaches the court for cancellation of her bail plea citing this reason. But party sources also say Dayalu Ammal came to the airport to avoid visiting Raasathi Ammal's CIT colony residence. 

Karuna’s show of solidarity at airport had its effect.  Senior DMK leaders K.Anbalagan and Arcot.N.Veerasamy were the first ones to drop in at CIT colony followed by an ailing Ko.Si.Mani.  Others – KC.Palanichamy, Ponmudi, Jegatharatchagan, E.V.Velu followed suit and marked their presence.

R.N.Durai, who was the main orchestrator of the entire event was seen distributing money to the folk dancers and the crowd gathered there.  While it was Briyani at airport, it was variety meals of Saravana Bhavan with sweet at CIT colony. The mini sangamam that was organized to welcome Kani gave a new meaning for term "self respect." 

But an uneasy and nervous leaders were tightlipped to make any comment. 

But the writing on the wall was clear... DISGUST.  Many were seen openly commenting “Is Kani a freedom fighter ?” Or "a World Cup Champion?"

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?

Mistakes of Karunanidhi & Misfortune of Kanimozhi

With the noose tightening around Kanimozhi in the 2G case…the Grand old man of Tamil Nadu Politics - Karunanidhi is desperate. Sources in the DMK say his desperation has crossed all limits. DMK’s octogenarian president is a worried man. But one mistake after another committed by Karunanidhi is something that has led to this fiasco.

The latest is his statement criticizing judiciary in the wake of denying bail for Kani. In the past Karunanidhi never used to take jibes at judiciary and would carefully avoid criticizing the judiciary.  Criticism of the judiciary would be left out to his Ministers or his perennial stooge K.Veeramani of Dravidar Kazhagam.  But Karunanidhi in a statement has said that  "If courts, one of the pillars of Indian democracy, hesitated to provide legal rights and protect the basics of the law, a question will rise in everybody's mind where Indian democracy is going and about its future.”  This is uncharacteristic of Karunanidhi.  So here is a list of 10 big blunders committed by DMK Patriach that had led to his pet daughter cooling her heels in Tihar.

Mistake No.1

Karunanidhi’s first mistake was to make Dayanidhi Maran as the telecom minister.  When Dayanidhi Maran, was looking after their family magazine Kungumam…He was brought into the party fold and made an MP… hoping that he will act as his father. Karuna claimed that Murasoli Maran was his conscience. Bring Daya into the party raised many eyebrows in the party, But Karunanidhi closed the murmuring mouths by saying that Daya’s talent was known to him even when Daya was a Kid…and finally Daya showed his talent by unsheathing the dagger and stabbing him in his back.

Mistake No.2

Karunanidhi’s second mistake, which is connected with the first one, was choosing Dayanidhi Maran over Kanimozhi.   The offer of contesting as an MP candidate in the central Madras constituency was first offered to Kanimozhi.   But a reluctant Kanimozhi declined the offer.  Had Karunanidhi convinced Kanimozhi and made her an MP and then a Minister, Kanimozhi would have been accepted by his party cadres and Kani would have learnt the ropes in Delhi.   But a delayed planting of Kanimozhi into politics has not only spoilt Kanimozhi’s chances but also allowed the KD brothers to grow into humongous proportions.  

Mistake No.3

Karunanidhi’s third mistake was allowing the KD brothers to run riot in the state.   KD brothers slowly and meticulously built their empire on the toil of DMK cadres.   It was KD brothers who made full use of the government machinery and party machinery to advance their interests.  Till the burning of Dinakaran employees, Karunanidhi turned a Nelson’s eye to Marans excesses.  In fact Karunanidhi gave the impression to party’s second level leaders that the both Kala and Daya are no less equivalent to his wards.    The KD brothers using their media power planted stories in leading bi-weeklies, weeklies and fortnightlies about both A.Raja and Kanimozhi. 

Mistake No.4

Karunanidhi’s fourth mistake was his patronage to A.Raja.  Even after four generations of money making…Karunanidhi never said no to money that was given by A Raja after becoming Telecom minister. Karunanidhi who was once bitten by Sarkaria Commission should have become alert that such Delhi Money for Karunanidhi would always pose a problem in the future.   Karunanidhi also failed to gauge the cunning Congress in proper perspective.   Karunanidhi underestimated A Raja’s ulterior designs and Congress party’s cunningness. Instead Karuna thought that Congress is always there to help him.

Mistake No.5

Karunanidhi’s fifth mistake was to commence Kalaignar TV.    When the KD brothers were declared persona non grata by Karuna his mind failed to work and his emotions clouded his thinking.  Instead of asking party men to start a TV channel and back the party, a greedy Karunanidhi made his wife and daughter to be the Directors in the TV channel.   No person would dare to disobey the diktat of Karuna, who has the last word in the party affairs.   If government backing is assured to the TV channel, any senior leader in the party would have been more than willing to start a channel.   With so many educationists with Engineering and Medical colleges in Karuna’s party, this would not have been that much difficult. 

Mistake No.6

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Karunanidhi’s sixth mistake was under estimating the 2G scam.  Karuna who used to be a shrewd politician should have seen the writing on the wall.   When the news about 2G scam started leaking in the media, Karunanidhi should never have attempted to defend A Raja and the scam. But on the advice of some of the then state intelligence and party leaders Karunanidhi organized public meetings in support of A.Raja and defended the entire spectrum allocation.   The general public who were already sick of Karunanidhi’s melodramatic lies in the Eelam issue were not ready to buy this suspicious rhetoric. In fact the reverse of what Karuna expected happened.   Street meetings and campaigns in their family televisions about A.Raja’s good deeds had a counter effect which was reflected in the assembly polls. Karunanidhi got carried away by what people around him who made the situation from bad to worse.

Mistake No.7

Trusting congress was Karunanidhi’s seventh mistake.  Karunanidhi who claims to be in public life for more than 60 years failed to assess the wickedness of the congress.   Karuna who was in a comfortable position in UPA.1 failed to enjoy the same clout in UPA.II.   The Congress party which was at the receiving end in UPA.I saw UPA.II as a payback time.     Karuna unsuspectingly fell in a cleverly laid trap by the Congress.   Given the permutations and combinations in the UPA.II Karunanidhi should have been alert when the congress party refused to give the ministerial berths and portfolios required by the DMK.   Karunanidhi’s tantrums of boycotting the swearing in ceremony failed to cut ice with the Congress high command.  Further, Karuna wishfully believed the lip service offered by congress leaders that there was no scam in 2G allocation.   Even Manmohan Singh for a long time had been maintaining that all was well in the spectrum allocation.  But Congress’ act of Judas has landed Kani in a quicksand.

Mistake No.8

Karunanidhi’s eighth mistake was underestimating the Judiciary. After Kanimozhi’s arrest Karunanidhi was advised by his stooges that by engaging Ram Jethmalani they can easily secure bail.  Whispers in the air is that Ram Jethmalani was paid a huge amount and was brought to Delhi in a special aircraft to defend Kanimozhi.   A simple enquiry with any senior lawyer in Delhi’s legal circles would clearly reveal that Ram Jethmalani is not liked by Judges due to his melodrama and rash behavior. Karunanidhi thought that Judiciary was yet another arm of the Congress and it can be easily influenced like the CBI…even now he is attempting to sabotage the court monitored investigations by hook or crook...but his calculations went wrong and now Karunanidhi is facing the wrath of the judiciary.

Mistake No.9

Karunanidhi’s ninth mistake was making Kanimozhi an MP. Kanimozhi who is new to the world of cutthroat politics, lacked the shrewdness of his father.   Kani who was made the Delhi face of DMK after Maran immediately fell into the trap of corporate monsters.   Her association with Nira Radia which opened a pot of gold for Kani and her mother made Kani a greedy woman. After entering into politics Kani carefully severed her literary acquaintances and her circle was filled with sharks like Ravikumar of VCK and Jegath Gasper Raj.   Karunanidhi also made a huge mistake by allowing Kanimozhi to flaunt her strength through the cultural fest Chennai Sangamam with the active participation of Jegath Gasper.   Such activities by Kanimozhi were detested not only by half brothers but also the general public.

Mistake No.10

Karunanidhi’s last but not the least mistake is meeting Sonia, PM and other congress leaders with a begging bowl and seeking help for Kani.   A few minutes thinking with clarity would make Karuna clearly understand it was Congress’ plan all along to shift the entire blame of 2G scam on DMK.     The Congress which had cleverly pushed DMK into this mess would never bail out any of the 2G accused and take the risk of bringing the probe onto its doorsteps.   Taking the Congress head on would have made the Sonia and PM jittery. But Karuna’s attempt to prostrate before the Congress party was nothing but digging his own grave.

Even after all this…the biggest mistake of M Karunanidhi is to believe people around him and trust what they say…DMK insiders say that Karunanidhi is still kept in dark in issues relating to the 2G case…and its clear that the people around him are turning the Chanakya into a clown. 

Karunanidhi’s nightmare & Congress Game plan

With Kanimozhi’s bail being rejected by the CBI court…the DMK is working overtime to bring her out on bail as soon as possible.

Whispers doing rounds in Delhi political circles is that...the Congress has already decided its strategy to dump the 2G blame on the DMK and to escape unscathed before the next general elections.  While the DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi is not prepared to antagonize the Congress even in dire straits, the Congress is taking this as an opportunity to execute its ulterior designs.

Sources close to Karunanidhi say that he is worried and his worst fear is that the 2G case should not go in the direction which saw the big bull Harshad Mehta, Fake stamp paper king Abdul Karim Telgi and Satyam’s Ramalinga Raju’s case.  In all these scams that rocked the country, though the role of congress leaders could not be ruled out only those who arrested were nailed in the end.

Whispers doing rounds in the DMK circles  is that Karunanidhi even cited the knack with which the congress systematically wriggled out of democratic India’s biggest scam ‘Bofors’. Even now there is a similarity between the Bofors and the 2G scam where the Gandhi family is directly involved.  But meticulously the Bofors case was blown into smithereens by the Gandhi family and all those involved were allowed to go scot free.  In fact the Gandhi family saw to it that the money of their family friend Quottorochi was returned to him in spite of CBI’s objection.

Given the developments,  now the congress party appears to be adopting the same strategy in the 2G case. Karuna, a shrewd and experienced politician now fears that any success of congress’s plan would result in his daughter’s continuous incarceration and a quick conviction.   The reason for Karunanidhi’s desperation to secure the bail of his daughter is attributed to this night mare.

However if whispers are to be believed, Congress is in no mood to save either Kanimozhi or A.Raja and instead want to crucify the DMK ahead of the General elections in 2014.  Congress leadership feels that this will yield results for the Congress’s ‘prince in waiting’ Rahul Gandhi. 

Meanwhile, the DMK is also bracing itself for fire fighting...sensing Congress party’s game plan...their first priority is to secure bail for Kanimozhi at any cost and then target CBI special court Judge O P Saini...the latest discussion at Karunanidhi’s CIT colony residence along with the DMK top leaders and legal experts was in the lines of attributing motives to CBI Special Court Judge’s order in rejecting Kanimozhi’s bail.

 

This was quite evident in the appeal petition filed in the Delhi High court...Kanimozhi has stated that “The Special Court has “erred in its judgment differentiating classes of woman.”  DMK sources say this is just the beginning and when they approach Supreme Court...this will be the key argument and for this they have planned to engage the old horse Ram Jethmalani. Will the DMK be able to succeed in this latest strategy ???

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. 

Is DMK falling apart?

DMK’s former Deputy General Secretary Parithi Ilamvaludhi has dropped yet another bombshell… by openly challenging the authority of DMK’s treasurer and Karunanidhi’s heir apparent M.K.Stalin.   

Earlier it was just the sibling rivalry and the battle for succession that was a cause of concern for the ageing DMK patriarch…but now it appears the voices of dissent are getting stronger by the day. The statements made by Paruthi Ilamvazuthi against MK.Stalin that he is influencing Karunanidhi and the DMK Chief is not allowed to take any independent decisions…has triggered severe speculation among party workers.

Those who have been victimized by M K Stalin are extremely happy with this development…and the unexpected move by Paruthi Ilamvazuthi…giving a call to the DMK rebels to join hands under his leadership… seems to have rattled M K Stalin’s camp.  

However, Karuanidhi has a history of sidelining leaders who are or would be a challenge to his son’s authority.   MDMK leader Vaiko who was very popular among DMK’s youngsters was expelled since he was growing as a challenge to the DMK’s heir apparent. In fact Karunanidhi went to the extent of accusing Vaiko of trying to murder him.

Political analysts who have a better understanding of Karunanidhi’s psyche know that Karunanidhi would never take any decision against his family members however high, talented or important the person may be.

Sources in the DMK say…Parathi Ilamvazhuthi open revolt is not an isolated incident…there are many other leaders in the DMK who have been fuming over some of the decisions taken by M K Stalin. Since there is not as much of inner party democracy within the DMK...senior members in the party are worried about the future of the DMK.

DMK insiders say seniors like Anbazhagan, Arcot Veerasamy and others have been completely sidelined in the party. Anbazhagan and Arcot Veerasamy are only called whenever necessary for photo ops...apart from that most of the decisions are taken by M K Stalin which seems to have not gone down too well among others. 

The recent humiliating defeat for the DMK followed by land grabbing charges slapped against prominent DMK leaders seems to have sent shivers down the spine. The buzz in the party is that the top leadership of the DMK is not coming to their rescue. So far the party has done nothing to put up a brave face against the ruling AIADMK.

Whispers doing rounds in the DMK is that Party leader M Karunanidhi is too busy in securing bail for his daughter Kanimozhi…so much so that he has gone to the extent of falling flat on Sonia’s feet. Anjanenjan M K Alagiri - the “brave heart” is missing in action and is actively seen running for cover…and M K Stalin…is only bothered about his loyalists like K N Nehru and Ponmudy and many other district secretaries. While other leaders in the party are busy in saving their skin by hook or crook…the ground level party worker is left in lurch.

Finally, now the cat is out of the bag…DMK insiders say a severe storm is brewing within the party…and with each passing day DMK’s heir apparent is increasingly becoming unpopular among party workers.

However, the State intelligence is also closely monitoring the developments within the DMK…and whispers doing rounds is that very soon the people of Tamil Nadu will be witnessing “Mutrugai Pooratam” by party workers in front of Karunanidhi’s residence demanding justice…as it happened in front of Jaya’s residence during the DMK regime which was then considered to be an intelligence operation by AIADMK leaders.

Whispers doing rounds in the DMK is that…Paruthi Ilamvazuthi has been offered support from various quarters within the DMK (can be read as M K Alagiri and KD brothers). With Paruthi Ilamvazuthi coming forward to lead the rebel DMK…the stage is set for yet another drama.  Now it remains to be seen, how long the DMK leadership is going to allow the rope for Parithi whose move may start similar rebellions inside the DMK against the family control of DMK.

Well, one can say now its time for MDMK leader Vaiko to take revenge and to fish in troubled waters.

A.Raja to be ditched by DMK?

The Game is over Mr. Raja

Sources tell Whispers in Tamil Nadu that the DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi is all set to ditch A.Raja, the blue eyed boy of the DMK.   Whispers in Tamil Nadu had earlier reported about Karunanidhi’s displeasure with A.Raja as he is using his daughter Kanimozhi, as a shield to protect him in the 2G scam case.

During Karuna’s recent visit to Delhi… it was categorically conveyed to by top congress honchos that the Congress leadership is not taking Raja’s defense in the 2G case lightly.  Displeasure over A Raja’s argument to call PM and Finance Minister as witnesses was already conveyed to M Karunanidhi…DMK sources say it was V Narayanswami who conveyed this message to Karunanidhi after Kanimozhi’s advocate toed A Raja’s line of argument during the course of trial. Sensing danger the DMK Chief immediately asked to change Kanimozhi’s lawyer…and pleaded neither Kanimozhi nor anyone in the party had any idea on this particular argument made by A Raja’s counsel Sushil Kumar, who was also the counsel for Kanimozhi.  

But A Raja has been repeatedly making allegations against the Prime Minister and Finance Minister P.Chidambaram seems to have angered the Congress leadership.   The game-plan of A.Raja in the 2G case would ultimately result in Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being called as a witness during the course of the trial.    Manmohan Singh would be forced to defend Raja’s cross examination and justify that A.Raja had misled him in taking decisions in the spectrum allocation and pricing. Further the petition of Dr.Subramanian Swamy to include Sonia’s loyalist P.Chidambaram as a co-accused in the 2G scam is also causing embarrassment not only to the party but also to the government at a time when the issue of corruption is making headlines in the country.   

Sources say when Karuna met P.Chidambaram and Law Minister Salman Kurshid it was communicated to Karunanidhi and he was asked to reign in on A.Raja and instruct him accordingly not to drag PM and FM in 2G arguments.   When Karunanidhi met A.Raja in Tihar prison last week sources say Karuna had instructed A.Raja not to target the congress leaders and to go soft.  Karuna had also informed A.Raja that any move that would embarrass congress would only result in more trouble for Kanimozhi and spending more time in jail.  But A.Raja had reportedly snubbed DMK chief, saying that he is a lawyer himself and knows what to do and informed Karunanidhi that only by dragging PM and FM in the case there will be any relief either for him or Kanimozhi.

The 87 year-old Karunanidhi, was taken aback by A Raja’s reaction…Karuna cut-short the meeting abruptly and returned, say DMK insiders.    Raja’s obstinate game-plan in the 2G trial has irritated Karunanidhi and Whispers doing rounds in the DMK is that…after once Kanimozhi is out on bail, DMK leaders and party men will be instructed to stay away from A.Raja,.   After orders are pronounced on November 3 O P Saini on Kani’s bail plea…Karunanidhi is all set to take a final call on Raja.