Central Govt's birthday gift to Jayalalitha !!!

The entire Chennai city is being illuminated with hoardings for the birthday bash of Jayalalitha, which falls on February 24. This despite Amma asking his party men not to celebrate her birthday, instead help the poor and the needy. It appears that the Central government and the CBI has decided to give a birthday gift to Jayalalitha in a different form.

As mentioned in our last article, Amma’s next huge problem is managing the appeal filed by the CBI which came up for hearing on Tuesday.  When Jayalalitha became Chief Minister in 1991 for the first time...It was a virtual loot from all sides during her highly controversial 91-96 regime. Her gala Birthday bash in the year 1992 had landed her in trouble and now the trouble seems to have intensified. 

During her first tenure, it was a free run for all Ministers. However, the Ministers and MLAs were curtly told to pay the lion’s share to Amma is what the buzz doing rounds even today in DMK circles. In February 1992, when Jaya’s government was just eight months old,  Ministers and MLAs were instructed to present valuable gifts to Amma on her birthday.   Jayalalitha was gifted with 89 Demand Drafts drawn from more than two dozen banks.   Besides demand drafts Jayalalitha was also gifted with cash of Rs.15 lakhs.   The total amount received by Jayalalitha during her birthday in 1992 exceeded Rs.2 crores.   Jayalalitha promptly deposited all the amounts into her personal bank account with Canara Bank, Mylapore Branch.

One of the demand drafts received by Jayalalitha was from Channel Islands drawn on Bankers Trust Company, New York for Rs.3 lakh US dollars.   Since investigation has to be conducted abroad, the old fox Karunanidhi, in 1996 promptly transferred the investigation to the CBI.   The CBI swung into action and traced that the 3 lakh dollar demand draft was taken by one Dr.K.T.B.Menon of London.   The CBI could not proceed further as Menon died in mysterious circumstances in 1992 itself.

Regarding the remaining demand drafts the CBI sleuths found that the amounts were paid by various functionaries of the AIADMK as a bribe for making them Ministers or Chairmen of various corporations.   CBI sleuths also found that the 89 Demand Drafts were taken by a total of 57 persons.    When the names and addresses of the 57 persons were verified during investigation the CBI sleuths were shocked to find that the names and addresses of 12 persons were fake and they never existed.  Another 12 persons whom the CBI officers interrogated denied ever taking such Demand Drafts.  All the remaining persons were office bearers of Jaya’s party.   The major contributors in taking the demand drafts were K.A.Sengottaiyan and Alagu Thirunavukkarasu – Jaya’s cabinet colleagues – who had contributed more than 25 lakhs each.

The CBI charge sheeted Jayalalitha under Section 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act which carries a maximum term of five years.   Section 11 of the Prevention of Corruption Act says a public servant is committing an offence if he / she accepts any valuable thing from any person with whom he / she has any connection with the official function.

The trial in the case never took off owing to the fact that both Jayalalitha and the remaining two accused – K.A.Sengottaiyan and Alagu.Thirunavukkarasu kept on filing a catena of petitions before various forums challenging the CBI’s charge sheet. The delay culminated in filing of a petition by Jayalalitha and others to quash the CBI’s charge sheet before the Madras High Court which was quashed during September 2011.  

We in whispers have narrated in details in our article What happened to the CBI’s gift case against Jayalalitha ?.  In our article we had also reported as early as 13 October 2011 quoting Delhi sources that CBI is contemplating to file an appeal against the Madras High Court order.

Now the CBI’s Special Leave Petition against the order of the Madras High Court came up for hearing before a Division Bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justices Altamas Kabir and Surinder Singh Nijjar.   Additional Solicitor General Harin Rawal, appearing for the CBI, told the court that the High Court was wrong in quashing the FIR and the chargesheet on grounds of delay.  After hearing CBI’s counsel the Bench ordered notices to Jayalalitha to reply within four weeks.

The reason of ‘delay’ cited by Justice K.N.Basha of the Madras High Court for quashing the charge sheet against Jayalalitha is unlikely to hold water in the Supreme Court.  Given the tough stand taken by the Supreme Court in various corruption cases, it is quite unlikely that Jayalalitha would get any reprieve.

Jayalalitha who is already reeling under the pressure from the assets case in Bengaluru, this has come as yet another embarrassment for her, at a time when she is dreaming to make it big in national politics. 

But why did the central government wait for four months to file the appeal at this point of time ?   Keep tracking these columns for a detailed report.

Jayalalitha : The God Mother?

It looks like a scene straight out of Mario Puzo’s ‘God Father’.   But unlike the Sicilian Mafia’s operations where muscle men are used to finish-off enemies, Amma’s uses the state machinery to silence her ‘friend turned foes’. 

Jayalalitha appears to be determined to decimate her enemies and emerge victorious in the battle between her and her erstwhile confidantes. Like the Don Vito Coreleone Jayalalitha is systematically eliminating her enemies one by one.   Exactly like the Sicilian Mafia who don’t take kindly to treacheries, Jayalalitha too is not taking the treacherous acts of her former confidante Sasikala lightly.

But, before annihilating her treacherous friends, Jayalalitha also want to ensure that they don’t turn their back in the assets case against her in the Bengaluru Special Court which has entered its crucial stages and the outcome of this case is something that will determine her political future.

The case against Jayalalitha is that she was in possession of assets disproportionate to her known sources of income to the tune of Rs.66.5 crores between the period 1991 to 1996 when she was Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.  While Jayalaitha is A.1 in this case, Sasikala, Ilavarasi and Sudakaran are the remaining accused. The case which went through a maze of legal hurdles is about to reach its finality in the Bengaluru Special Court.  The trial which was continuing in Chennai was transferred to a Special Court in Bengaluru following the order of the Supreme Court on a petition filed by DMK General Secretary K.Anbalagan.

The case which went to trial in 1997 hit as many roadblocks as possible – courtesy the influential people in the case.   After 15 long years, while the case is reaching its finality, it appears that Amma and her well wishers are pulling strings to wriggle out of the only noose dangling around Jaya's neck.

While Jayalalitha’s turn to answer the court’s questions under Section 313 Cr.P.C. is completed, it is now the turn of Sasikala, Ilavarasi and Sudakaran to answer the questions.   While the trial has reached a crucial stage, the defense so far mounted by Jayalalitha in the assets case has become very complex.   While Jayalalitha holds a substantial part of the 66.65 crores of assets, Sasikala, Ilavarasi and Sudakaran hold sizeable assets in their name, which the DVAC has charged as benami properties of Jayalalitha. 

Following the expulsion of the MM cartel members from Jaya’s poes garden residence, things have become very complicated for Amma in the assets case.    If the Judge of the Bengaluru Special Court asks a simple question whether you bought the properties on behalf of Jayalalitha, and Sasikala nods her head it will all be over for Jayalalitha.    Jayalalitha’s life and career now depends on the answer of Sasikala and others for the questions under Section 313 Cr. P.C, since Jayalalitha is the only public servant in the case and Prevention of Corruption Act concentrates only on public servants. 

So what is the Amma's gameplan ?   Whispers doing rounds in Tamil Nadu's political circles is that Amma has resorted to the age old plan of the Sicilian Mafia – Threaten the family of the witnesses. 

Ever since the exit of MM cartel from Amma’s household, rumours were agog about the impending arrest and incarceration of the members of MM cartel.   The choice of the MM cartel members who are first to face men in Khakhi reveals a lot about the game plan of Amma.   Amma chose Ravanan and Diwakaran, to administer the threat as the duo are emotionally closest to Sasikala.  Diwakaran is Sasikala’s youngest brother, and Ravanan is Sasikala’s uncle’s son-in-law.    While Diwakaran is emotionally very close to Sasikala he being the last of the sibling, Ravanan commanded tremendous respect with Sasikala as he refused to re-marry following the early death of his wife and raised his son alone.

So, Amma decided to hit Sasikala, where it hurts the most and thus convey a stern message. Either my-way or Highway. Whispers doing rounds in Khakhi circles is that Amma has instructed the police to pick up Diwakaran and Ravanan and ensure that they remain behind bars.

Both Diwakaran and Ravanan were slapped with a couple of cases.   The first case against Diwakaran is that was instrumental in the demolition of the house of one Kasthuri of Rishiyur Village, Needamangalam.    Kasthuri had alleged that Diwakaran was behind the demolition and Diwakaran intimidated her.

The second case registered against Diwakaran is based on a complaint by one Saravanan of Edaiyur.  He had alleged in his complaint that Diwakaran had threatened and obtained Rs.1 lakh at knife point. 

On the other hand, the cases registered against Ravanan are the height of absurdity.    Based on the complaint of one Ravikumar, a contractor at Sirumugai in the Coimbatore that he was abducted by him in October last year and Rs.10 lakh was sought as ransom for his release and to continue his business a case was registered and Ravanan was arrested.

Ravanan was arrested in the second case last week by the Chennai City Police.  The complainant, R Krishna moorthy, managing director of RK Imay Property Developers, had alleged that he had paid the sum for getting a sand quarry license in Karur but neither he got the license nor Ravanan repaid the amount. Ravanan and two others had threatened the petitioner with dire consequences.   The complainant in the second case against Ravanan is one Krishnamoorthy @ Mannarai Moorthy.   This Krishnamoorthy is an accused in three cheating cases at the Thiruppur Central Crime Branch.  The Thiruppur Central Crime Branch has registered three cases against Krishnamurthy in  Cr. No. 12/2009, Cr. No. 26/2008 and in Cr. No.1/2011. Interestingly in one of the cases, Krishnamurthy is the co-accused along with Lottery Baron San Diego Martin.

The police never bothered to interrogate either Diwakaran or Ravanan say insiders.  Though the Tamil bi-weeklies invariably carry stories planted by the police that both Ravanan and Diwakaran had been giving out details about their collection spree, sources tell whispers in Tamil Nadu that the police were clueless on what to ask to the duo.   Even during the custodial interrogation of Ravanan by Chennai City Police, not even a single question was posed to Ravanan.

Ravanan and Diwakaran are the first pawns in Amma’s dangerous game of deceit. Unlike Diwakaran and Ravanan, Jaya and her well wishers’ diabolic designs failed to work in the case of Special Public Prosecutor B.V.Acharya. The Supreme Court while transferring the trial from Tamil Nadu to Karnataka ordered that “The State of Karnataka in consultation with the Chief Justice of High Court of Karnataka shall appoint a senior lawyer having experience in criminal trials as public prosecutor to conduct these cases.”   Acharya, who was the Advocate General of the Karnataka government is considered as one of the best legal brains in Karnataka was the Advocate General of Karnataka during the chief ministership of Veerendra Patil, Veerappa Moily and even during President’s rule.   

Now with B V Acharya, throwing a bombshell by saying he was pressurized to quit as Special Public Prosecutor from Jaya's assets case. Once again the entire focus is shifted on Jaya's DA case. The DMK is closely monitoring each and every development and chalking out strategies to ensure that the case moves in the right direction.

 Acharya who resigned from the post of Advocate General of Karnataka said,  “For some time, there has been terrible pressure on me to resign from the position of SPP, and I have been resisting it. The State government was apparently under pressure from its central leadership [BJP] that I should quit from the position of SPP in the case against Ms. Jayalalithaa. I was appointed SPP in the case against Ms. Jayalalithaa on the recommendation of the then Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court. The direction for appointment of senior counsel as SPP was given by the Supreme Court while transferring the trial of the disproportionate assets case to Karnataka from Tamil Nadu. I am not willing to give up the responsibility of SPP as I was chosen for that assignment by the then Chief Justice.”   Both the DMK and the Congress were quick to term pressure on Acharya as ‘quid-pro-quo’ between AIADMK and BJP.

Whispers doing rounds in political circles across the country is that, Jayalalitha, who is found hobnobbing with the saffron brigade for quite sometime has apparently pulled her strings with the BJP leadership, albeit maintaining an equidistance from both BJP and Congress. Now,   Acharya’s revelations has stripped the mask from the BJP which is putting up a brave face as ‘crusader against corruption’.  The candid admission by Acharya that BJP top leadership had pressurized him to resign from the post of Special Public Prosecutor naturally explains Amma’s continuous tirade against the Congress. Whispers doing rounds is that now things have gone to a level where even the BJP will not be in a position to help Jaya.

With the move of Jaya and her well wishers to remove Special Public Prosecutor Acharya having miserably backfired, whether the enigmatic sphinx of Tamil Nadu has any other ace up her sleeve, remains to be seen.

“Clean up Jaya TV” : Jaya's next operation.

After cracking the against Mannargudi Mafia cartel, Amma is all set to divert her attention towards Jaya TV...this is the latest whispers doing rounds inside AIADMK's mouth piece Jaya TV.  Jayalalitha, who is not so keen on the affairs of Jaya TV had entrusted the entire administration to Ms.Anuradha, wife of TTV.Dinakaran. But what's wrong with Jaya TV? Amma has decided to clean up the party's main propaganda tool following serious complaints about loss of revenue and misappropriation of funds by senior authorities who are running the show...

Jaya TV, which was never competent in matters of professionalism be it news or entertainment...it was always   lagging far behind on its contemporaries, making it  quite obvious that it has no intention to compete. Ever since its inception 14 years ago...several things have changed but one thing that has successfully defeated Karl Marx's theory of "change" is the channel's revenue...for the past 14 years it remains at Rs.4 crores a month - Not a penny more, not a penny less...One wonders how this figure has neither decreased nor increased from the channel’s inception in 1999. So that brings us to our next question...What's rotten in Jaya TV? 

In the year 2000... Jaya TV was the only channel, at present its a network, which has two additional channels Jaya Max and Jaya Plus...no matter its one channel or 3 the earnings remains the same - 4 crores a month, say insiders. Now whispers doing rounds is that Amma’s secret investigation into the affairs of Jaya TV has revealed shocking details.  Jaya TV has been a money making cow for a few top authorities. One among them is Bala Swaminathan, who is the present Vice President (Marketing) in Jaya TV...sources say he heads the cartel, which systematically siphons of Jaya TV revenue.  Insiders in Jaya TV feel, it was Bala Swaminathan who continuously wins JACKPOT !!!

Bala Swaminathan

Bala Swaminathan, who was working with the Vikatan group, joined Jaya TV in the year 1999 as marketing head and since then he continues to be the marketing head...Sources say Bala who started his career in Jaya TV with a modest salary of 45,000 per month is now receiving Rs.1,90,000/- per month.   

TTV Dinakaran, who was initially handling the affairs of Jaya TV had kept Bala Swaminathan in check.  But as soon as Dinakaran’s wife Anuradha donned the mantle, it was a free run for Bala Swaminathan.  Anuradha, who is new to the nuances of administration was taken for a ride by Bala, say Jaya TV insiders. Jaya TV’s major revenue is in the form of advertisements of which half of the advertisements are from major players like Procter & Gamble, Hindustan Unilever, and other major companies etc.  These MNCs have their own advertising agency and maintain a clean slate.   But Bala devised a clever plan to rake in the moolah in the remaining half advertisements, which are offered to the channel by small players. 

Bala Swaminathan, who is a sly operator started an advertising agency named “Bala Ads”!!! and since then it became an unwritten rule that all advertisements are routed through his agency, so that entire advertisements which comes through the so called ‘proper channel’ goes to Jaya TV and the commission to his secret coffers say advertising agency sources.  The advertising agency Bala Ads, neither has an office, nor a single staff.  The AD agency functions from his home and the rule is 15 percent commission.

Bala Swaminathan, who was in a rented house for Rs.2000 in the year 1999, at the time of joining Jaya TV now owns a palatial flat in the paradise of the rich – and now he is TN Chief Minister - AIADMK Chief  & Jaya TV owner J Jayalilathaa’s neighbor at Poes Garden.

Around an year back, Jayalalitha got wind of the loot in Jaya TV and the lackluster performance of Anuradha and decided to shakeup the administration. Sources say after hearing about Jayalalitha’s plans, Bala got jittery that Amma would find out his loot and developed cold feet.  Though Jayalalitha subsequently dropped her plans to shakeup the administration, a clever Bala Swaminathan, brought Raghu, Vaithy, Soori and Jayachandran from Vikatan who are his yesmen, just to start a few more so called advertising agencies – namely Raghu Ads, Vaithy Ads, etc. This was an attempt to have his iron clad over Jaya TV, so that the loot continued unabated.

Besides raking in the moolah in advertisements department...Jaya Tv sources say Bala Swaminathan is also in tie up with Subashree Thanikachalam.  Subashree Thanikachalam, a visual communication graduate claims herself to be an expert in producing music related programs.   For the past five years, Subashree is continuously given prime slots based on a secret understanding with Bala. Jaya TV sources say recently Subashree Thanikachalam went on a tour to Cleveland, USA under the guise of producing music program.   However, the expenses for the trip including crew was borne by the Tamil Sangam organization in Cleveland.  But Bala Swaminathan sanctioned Rs.20 lakhs from Jaya TV for the trip and got back a sizable share for himself, say sources.

 

After Subashree returned to India, the program shot in Cleveland which contained US Tamils singing, was shown on Jaya TV with reputed firms as sponsors.   Bala Swaminathan went on a sabbatical tour to London and Paris – courtesy Subashree, say insiders. Even though the overall revenue of Jaya TV has not increased over the time, the entire slots in Jaya Plus are filled with real estate advertisements and programs which gloat about magical medical treatments rule the roost in Jaya Plus with the blessings of Bala Swaminathan, who receives a huge cut in the revenue say AD agency sources.

Kalaignar TV which is struggling for its involvement in the 2G scam appears to be far better than Jaya TV and Sun TV, Sun news known for its so called unbiased news and professionalism is doing a commendable job.  But Jaya TV which is considered as the most powerful propaganda tool by Jayalilathaa is no more considered to be peoples channel as it claims. This was quite obvious when TN Chief Minister J Jayalilathaa preferred to reach out to the people through a televised speech on Jaya TV while increasing bus fare and milk prices. She wanted to make an emotional appeal to justify that the state is bankrupt and that has forced her to take a decision to this effect...but except a party men, govt officials, bureaucrats and Journalists, by and large the people were unaware about the facts as her emotional plea failed to strike a chord with the people. Thanks to the able administration of Bala Swaminathan and Madam Anuradha.

K.P.Sunil

But where do Anuradha stands with regard to Bala Swaminathan’s activities ?    It was Anuradha who inaugurated Bala Swaminathan’s “Bala Ads”. Whispers in Tamil Nadu has already reported on Anuradha's latest antics. 

Whispers doing rounds in Poes Garden circles is that Amma has made up her mind to do a complete clean up of Jaya TV and spruce up the channel and make it professional. 


If this was the condition on the administration side...the news department headed by K.P.Sunil, Vice President (news) and Editor Thillai is yet to wake up from its deep slumber. Sources inside Jaya TV say the news department lacks motivation and clarity. Industry sources say the Jaya TV news failed to create any ripples in Tamil Nadu political circles when Amma was in the opposition...now after becoming the Chief Minister the news output by and large remains the same. 

K P Sunil, was asked to go on leave following his goof up in the telecast of Amma’s all important price hike announcement...Now he is given a second chance by Amma.   Sunil was taken to task by Amma for his failure to telecast Jaya’s televised address on scheduled time. After a brief hiatus, Sunil has been given a lifer and has been instructed to pull up his socks and deliver a better performance. Well its an indirect message to Editor Thillai...who is often seen as a man who only wants to ensure that Jayalilathaa's statements are reported in the bulletins without excluding a single sentence or word. 

Whispers doing rounds in AIADMK circles is that...Jaya TV news bulletins are only filled with Amma's statements and developments like arrest of DMK leaders and DVAC raids are given less importance. Sources in the party say that local party functionaries expect in-depth coverage of raids and arrests of DMK leaders, so that they can score brownie points at a time when their political rivals are being brought to book for their corrupt activities...However, they compliment Kalaignar TV for building up momentum and maintaining it till date.  

Whether Amma’s shake up of the management of Jaya TV from its deep slumber would stem the rot remains to be seen.

END GAME : Mannargudi Mafia.

The long standing clout enjoyed by the Mannargudi Mafia led by her aide and close confidante Sasikala and her empire is falling apart or it appears to be... as whispers doing rounds in Poes Garden circles are to be believed...that Amma has decided enough is enough and is cracking the whip.

Ever since the AIADMK government came to power it was this Mafia gang fondly known as "CM 2" in bureaucratic circles and "Mannargudi Mafia" in political circles that took decisions on all important matters relating to State administration. Be it postings of IAS, IPS & IFS officers or awarding of contracts for important projects or taking important policy decisions...  MM’s was the final word.   The mere mention about the Mannargudi Mafia sent shivers down the spine of many Ministers and bureaucrats who had no other choice but to abide by their rules.  The appointment of T.Rajendran,IPS as the Additional DGP for the all important intelligence wing, in spite of his clout in the previous DMK regime itself is an example of the power wielded by the MM in important matters.  Due to the coveted posting he got, T.Rajendran was more loyal to Sasikala and her husband Natarajan than to the Chief Minister of the State, say sources in khakhi.  But, Rajendran’s luck ran out one day and he was shown the door.

Whispers doing rounds in both political and bureaucratic circles is that...key officers in the CM circle like CM’s secretary Ram Mohana Rao, Deputy Secretary Ramalingam and Personal Security Officer of CM Thirumalaichamy were Sasikala’s nominees and they were running errands for Sasikala ever since Amma assumed charge as Chief Minister. Panneerselvam, a retired IAS officer was inducted in the present administration as an Officer on Special Duty and sources say he acted as a ‘wheeler dealer’ for Chinnamma. The buzz is that Deputy Superintendent of Police Thirumalaichamy who is the PSO had recently gone to Tirunelveli to complete a ‘katta panchayat’ on behalf of Chinnamma.  Thirumalaichamy's fairy tales seems to be the hot topic that's being debated in police circles...sources say recently he was brought under the intelligence scanner and finally the cat was out of the bag. 
 

Pon. Manickavel, whose exit from intelligence was discussed in detail in these columns was also another nominee of Chinnamma and was executing many operations as per the diktat of Chinnamma and her better half Natarajan.  The clout of the MM was so effective that even Pon. Manickavel’s successor is now believed to be a nominee of Chinnamma.  Sasikala who knew the working of the administration and the importance of intelligence wing from the early nineties is very keen on keeping a tab on the nerve center by having her loyalists inside the state’s intelligence wing. Its a known fact that DGP Ramanujam, being a shrewd officer is not pliable to Sasikala and her antics, whom he considers as an extra-constitutional authority.  Knowing fully well about the reputation of Ramanujam and the kind of respect he enjoys with the Chief Minister, Sasikala first planted T.Rajendran, then Pon.Manickavel and now its Thamaraikannan to have a grip on the intelligence wing.

With a hold on intelligence wing, it was not only Sasikala who had access to the paraphernalia of the intelligence wing, but it was also M.Natarajan, M.Ramachandran, Ravanan, Palanivelu, MIDAS Mohan, Kulothungan, Diwakaran, Dinakaran and his wife Anuradha, and the list goes on. As their game plan was clear.   Ministers, Police Officers and Bureaucrats were asked to take a clear stand...Either they are at the disposal of Mannargudi Mafia or rot in dummy posts. 

Except the top cop Ramanujam and the Chief Secretary all others were crawling before the MM cartel seeking favours...and the Mafia were calling the shots. Though Jayalalitha had an inclination of the catastrophic effect of the MM cartel in her administration, for reasons best known to her, she allowed the rule of the MM cartel to an extent which appears to be coming to an end. Only at the time of shifting T.Rajendran from intelligence wing, did Jayalalitha realize the grave the MM cartel is digging for her.   Jayalalitha came to know about the evil designs of MM cartel to capture power in the state following  the developments in the Bengaluru Special Court in her assets case.   Jayalalitha was informed about the diabolical designs of the MM cartel to capture power in the even of Jayalalitha getting convicted.   In fact the MM cartel went to the extent of pulling strings to see that Jaya’s assets case ends up in conviction.

But all this started...after Cho Ramasamy who is believed to be as Amma's political advisor met her last week and apprised about the activities of MM cartel. In fact whispers doing rounds in the AIADMK is that Cho Ramasamy's name was also constantly being used by some of the key team members of Mannargudi Mafia... the MM cartel’s parallel administration and the collection spree of the members were brought to her notice and she was cautioned that if there is no end to such activities it may result in further trouble for her. This was after a huge lobby of powerful businessmen and others approached Cho Ramasamy and expressed their concern over the evil designs of "M" Mafia.

Poes Garden sources say when Jayalalitha counter checked this information with the top cop,  he poured out his heart about the entire happenings in the past 5 months. An angry and highly irritated Jayalalitha decided to crack the whip and the first casualty was Officer on Special Duty Panneer Selvam.  Following his sacking, CM’s PSO Thirumalai Samy was also shifted and V.Balasubramanian, Asst. Commissioner of Police, Anna Nagar is posted in his place. Sources tell whispers that Jayalalitha had instructed the top cop Ramanujam to make a thorough assessment and to identify the MM cartel loyalists in all circles.  As of now the identified bureaucrats and officers are likely to be booted out in the coming days is the buzz in the corridors of Fort St George.

 
Honest officers who were fuming about the rule of the MM cartel are heaving a sigh of relief. Whispers doing rounds is that... in the coming week a cabinet re-shuffle – to weed out MM nominees – and a huge shuffle in IAS and IPS cadre is on the cards.

Sources say from Poes Garden to Fort St George and the local Tenyampet police station Sasikala's loyalists were carefully planted. However, analysts who are observing the relationship between Jayalalitha and Sasikala for a long time are skeptical about the moves.   They say, such tiffs between Jaya and Sasikala are quite common and Sasikala has a knack of patching up with Jayalalitha after the tiff, they say. Many squabbles between the two had cropped up in the past and they always end up in truce. 

But whether Jayalalitha would permanently reign in Sasikala and her coterie and provide a better administration to the people who voted her to power is anybody’s guess. 

Center's all out war against Amma!

It appears that the Congress party is seeking revenge on Tamilnadu Chief Minister Jayalaitha for her firm stance against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's pet project - the Kudunkulam Nuclear Power Plant.   Jayalalitha ruffled feathers during her visit to Delhi after assuming charge as Chief Minister and tried to pull the rug under Home Minister P.Chidambaram.  A perturbed Chiddu was waiting for a chance to push Jaya into a corner.

Thanks to the never ending Mullaiperiyar dam row...this has now become a powerful tool for the Congress to corner Jayalilathaa...Congress insiders say there was no reason for the Kerala congress government to rake up this issue at this point...as Mullai Periyar dam’s strength and weakness were part of a litigation in the Supreme Court and the SC had already constituted expert committees to look into the issue.

Dinamani a leading Tamil daily published a story that a movie named ‘Dam 999’ is about to be released which allegedly shows that a weak dam, if broke would wreak havoc on the lives of people living nearby.  This news item caused flutters when MPs from Tamil Nadu raked up this issue to cause linguistic frenzy.

The DMK was quick to raise this issue in the national capital and were on the forefront to stir trouble.  Whispers doing rounds in DMK circles is that it was not because the DMK was concerned that the movie will create fear among people living around Mullaiperiyar dam... But the real reason for the DMK MPs to stir trouble was to divert the attention of the media from the 2G scam and any adverse reports on Kanimozhi's bail plea.

Sources say DMK MP's were particularly asked to raise dirt on the Mullaiperiyar dam issue by the party high command...this was a clear and clever strategy by the 87 year old DMK patriarch as this will not only to attention from the 2G scam, but also will put the Congress party at the Center and his arch rival in the State - Jayalilatha in a fix.

As predicted by the old fox Karunanidhi, this issue has now snowballed into a major controversy.  The agitation of MPs from Tamil Nadu naturally united the Keralites and their concerns over the safety of Mullai Periyar dam. With the DMK playing its wicked game...the Central Government too saw this as an opportunity to seek revenge on Jayalilathaa...with the help of Intelligence Bureau and the Kerala Congress the Central Government is now playing tit for tat politics and pay back Amma in her own coin. 

Following the tickle by the Intelligence Bureau, the entire Malayalam media debates were focussed on one question...the main question raised was.."when safety is the only concern in the Koodankulam nuclear plant, is it not the same safety concern on the dam?... However, the intelligence bureau and Kerala Congress was successful in manipulating the media to concentrate only on this issue and whip up frenzy.  Further the omnipotent, strong Malayali officers' lobby in the center is also working overtime in the Mullaiperiyar dam issue.

Whispers doing rounds in Delhi circles is that Home Minister P Chidambaram, Narayanswamy are the reason behind this acid test for amma. As this will make her further unpopular at a time when her image has taken a beating due to the price hike, power cuts and the infamous 66 crore rupees corruption case.

Curiously, the Dam 999 movie’s Director who had announced that he would not move the Court against the ban on the movie has now moved the Supreme Court against the ban of TN government. The SC which had time and again upheld the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution is likely to lift the ban on the movie, which would be another setback for Amma in Court.

Now the Kerala Assembly has convened a 'emergency session’ to discuss the Mullai periyar dam row...which in all likelihood will force Jayalalitha to follow suit and pass a resolution...or if Jaya leads a delegation to Delhi like the Kerela Government then this question... "when safety is the only concern in the Koodankulam nuclear plant, is it not the same safety concern when it come to the dam?"..this will be the only talking point !... At the end because of the dam war...Jayalalitha’s much publicized sabbatical in Kodanadu is likely to be the causality.  Whether the queen bee of Tamil Nadu would pass the ‘Agni Pariksha’ forced on her by her bête noire remains to be seen.

But for now it appears that the center's plan to damn amma with a dam is successful.

Jaya’s legal 'damagers'

The legal team of Jayalalitha’s government headed by ace advocate Navaneethakrishnan seems to be leading the AIADMK government to one disaster after another.  The legal team is time and again wrapped left right and center by the Madras High Court...which has resulted in huge embarrassment for the AIADMK regime...

While Jaya’s petitions for exemption from personal appearance were being dismissed in the Supreme Court, the Madras High Court for its part continued to give jolts after jolts to Amma by stonewalling various moves by her government.

Starting with Jayalalitha’s announcement of abandoning Samachir Kalvi, which was implemented following the recommendation of a team of educationists after thorough research, Amma’s government had to bear the brunt of Judicial activism.    Even after the Madras High Court gave a detailed judgment while quashing the government’s move to abandon samachir kalvi, an obstinate Jayalalitha went to the Supreme Court against the Madras High Court’s order. But Amma managed to buy time which saw the children whiling away their valuable time without any syllabus.  Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the Madras High Court order...which was the first setback for Amma.

Then Amma’s next move …  Shutting down the Anna Centenary Library at Kotturpuram and starting the same inside DPI complex in the pretext of integrating it with Knowledge Park... There was widespread public outrage against Jaya’s announcement.   A furious Madras High Court was ignoring the allegations of corruption in the construction of the library, promptly stayed the move. In fact, an exasperated Chief Justice Iqbal after listening to the arguments of Navaneethakrishnan, posed a direct question "Are you the Advocate General or a party man ?"

Then came the issue of dismissal of Assistant Public Relations Officers by the Jaya government...that decision too was stayed by the court. Amma’s next salvo came in the form of dismissal of  14,000 Makkal Nala Paniyalargal which too was stayed by the Madras High Court.   The government’s appeal against the single judge’s order too was thrown away by a Division Bench.

In fact, Advocate General Navaneetha Krishnan quite blatantly expressed his inability on in open court during the course of arguments in connection with the Makkal Nala Paniyalargal issue.   Justice Suguna had earlier stayed the termination of 14,000 makkal nala paniyalargal by the government.    In spite of the stay order the government was adamant and refused to take back the terminated MNPs.   When this matter was brought to the notice of the court the court issued a firm warning to the government to implement its order immediately.   But the MNPs saw no relief in spite of a writ of the High Court.   When arguments in the court commenced in this regard, a visibly angered Justice Suguna posed a question to the AG “Why are you not implementing the orders in spite of it having been confirmed by a Division Bench ?”   The AG replied “I will take instructions”.   When the Justice again reminded him of the undertaking he gave when the stay orders were issued, Navaneethakrishnan replied “I am not able to follow my Lordship’s orders”.  An irritated Suguna asked him what do you mean that you are not able to follow ? An unfazed Advocate General calmly said “I am a humble and simple man my Lord”.

The advocate general had to eat humble pie when the Madras High Court stayed the TN government’s order to take back the land allotted to Muthamizh Peravai, a trust which is run by Karunanidhi’s close relatives.

Jayalalitha government which came back to power with the promise of a clean administration tried on its part to save the building norm violators in T.Nagar and filed a status report.  The court which saw through the designs of the government wrapped the government on its knuckles and a jittery government fearing court’s wrath was quick to seal the buildings just a day before the next hearing.

The building violators who are flush with money hired legal big guns to represent them and they went on appeal to the Supreme Court which returned the ball back to the Madras High Court.    Fearing a tough legal battle the government appointed Senior Counsel A.L.Somayaji to represent the state government in the CMDA matters recently.
 

Sources tell whispers in Tamil Nadu that Navaneethakrishnan has pulled all the strings with ‘Chinnamma’ and got this order cancelled, and a fresh order has been issued by the Chief Secretary authorizing the Advocate General to represent the State in CMDA case too.


Now Whispers doing rounds in the corridors of Madras High Court is that...If the present legal team continues to represent the Tamil Nadu government, then Amma's government should prepare itself for a bumpy ride ahead.