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.

DMK’s moles in the Government !

Ever since the AIADMK came to power, the DMK has been pushed to a corner...without any information on the inner happenings in the corridors of power – Fort St. George. But the DMK being a party in power for quite a long time, knows the importance of inside information.  Now whispers doing rounds in the corridors of Fort St George is that the DMK have planted its moles in key places of the administration which ensures steady flow of crucial information relating to the day-to-day affairs of the Government. 

The PAs and drivers are a perennial source of information in any government. Sources say DMK has planted their men in key positions who appoint PAs and drivers. Whispers doing rounds is 3 under secretaries namely Vasanthy, Periyanayagi and Ambalavanan in Tamil Nadu government's public department are suspected to have helped the Opposition DMK to spy on the activities of the Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government.  The treacherous trio appear to be the deciding authorities on the appointment of all of personal assistants and drivers to ministers.  The Public Department in Secretariat looks after the appointments of PAs and Drivers to Ministers.  

The trio who hold key positions in the Public Department have chosen personal assistants and drivers who are loyal to them so that they can extract government information instantly and pass it on to their political masters. The three officials have reportedly helped Anna Arivalyam, the DMK headquarters to get crucial information on the AIADMK regime's moves, much before it reached either the state intelligence network or the media. 

The latest buzz is that Vasanthy has recommended Surulivelrajan who was personal assistant to former DMK minister Ubaiyadullah and now efforts are on to tag him along with Agri S.S. Krishnamurthy, Commercial Taxes minister.   The Public Department official Vasanthy has close ties with DMK’s women’s wing.  Secretariat employees are quite surprised about the continuance of these spies working right under the nose of Jayalalitha.

Minister Velu 'Money's' golden touch

S.P.Velumani, is the Minister for Industries in the AIADMK government. It is a well known fact that Velumani is one of the nominees of the MM cartel in Amma's cabinet.  Velumani who hails from the Kongu belt was given the key portfolio of Industries, which is considered as gold mine in administrative circles. Indeed S.P.Velumani appears to have hit a pot of gold in this portfolio.

Whispers doing rounds is that Velumani’s @ Velu ‘money’ is on a collection spree right from the word ‘go’.   Many of the granite quarry owners were threatened to cough up sizeable sums of money under the guise of payment to MM cartel. The buzz in entire Fort St George is that by now Velumani must have amassed a sum of Rs.400 crores, for himself.   

Whispers doing rounds in IAS circles is that the 400 crore rupees has been collected  mainly from the granite lobby and iron scrap lobby, most of whom owe their allegiance to the DMK.  Particularly, the biggest iron scrap business is run by Anand, who is reported to be the benami of M.K.Tamilarasu, son of DMK chief M.Karunanidhi.  Since money doesn’t have colour or party affiliation, sources say Velumani had collected a sizeable amount from Anand. 

Velumani had found gold as the right investment for his 'earnings' and is reported to have started a jewellery with three branches in Coimbatore, Salem and Tiruppur in the name and style of “AVR Swarna Mahal”.  The jewellery which was started six months back – after Velumani became Industries Minister is on an advertisement spree and is giving a tough fight to traditional jewel traders.  The jewellery is reported to be started by Velumani and his benamis. But what does AVR stands for...here is the answer - A for Anbu, V for Velumani and R for Radhakrishnan.

During the impending cabinet re-shuffle, Velumani is certain to face the axe, say poes garden insiders.   But, whether amma would be satisfied with sacking him or will the DVAC go behind Velumani remains to be seen.

M K Stalin dumps Jinnah

Hasan Mohammed Ali Jinnah was M K Stalin's close confidant, some call him as a shadow of M K Stalin. In fact M K Stalin who was fearing a close contest in his Thousand Lights constituency replaced Jinnah as his nominee to contest from Thousand lights. But now Jinnah's long honeymoon has almost come to an end.

With M K Stalin calling the shots in the DMK youth wing by fixing age limit for party posts, Jinnah fears that very soon his he will be stripped of from his post of deputy secretary. By the way a point to be noted is that M K Stalin who is 59 years old is still the Secretary of the DMK youth wing, from the eighties and he still continues to be youth icon for the DMK.

But what is the reason for their split..? A question doing rounds in DMK circles...some say Jinnah being an advocate, and a former additional public prosecutor mishandled his cases...but whispers doing rounds in top DMK leadership is that Jinnah, did not help M K Stalin in his coup attempt to take control of Kalaignar TV. M K Stalin wanted one of his trusted lieutenant to be inducted into the Kalaignar TV board of directors before Kanimozhi is out on bail, so his first choice was Jinnah. But sensing trouble and danger Jinnah gave a slip and that seems to have angered M K Stalin and as a result Jinnah is completely sidelined.

Sad Sangamam

Its that time of the year when all bandits come together to organize Chennai Sangaman. A show that was carefully crafted to boost Kanimozhi's popularity, but all hell broke loose due to the 2G scam...and from then onwards it was Tihar sangaman and now it has become Sad sangamam. Recently, the organizers and some folk artists met Kanimozhi to greet her on the occasion of Pongal which turned out to be an emotional reunion.

A helpless Kanimozhi was at loss for words, but she made some alternative arrangements this time and it was DK leader Veeramani who came in for Kani's rescue. Veeramani promised that his partymen will hire local folk artists for their Pongal celebrations. At last in some way Veeramani has helped is the joke doing rounds in M K Stalin's circles.

Karuna's snub to Nakkeeran

When bi-weekly Nakkeeran came under attack from the AIADMK party workers for its controversial 'beef eating' article on TN Chief Minister, its editor Nakkeeran Gopal and Associate editor Kamaraj were constantly on phone asking for help..several senior journalists received calls asking to issue an statement saying its an attack on freedom of press.

But Nakkeeran insiders say Nakkeeran Gopal and Kamaraj were also engaged in convincing DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi who was unhappy with the news.   Gopal and Kamaraj had contacted Karunanidhi and pleaded that our office is under attack and no official is picking up their call. To their surprise Karunanidhi too had asked the same question, which rest of the world asked them..why did you publish such a provocative article...? Sources in Gopalapuram say Karunanidhi scolded both the veteran journalists (!!!!) as he was afraid that his name would be dragged into the entire controversy. Also Karunanidhi refused to issue a statement but as Gopal and Kamaraj were pleading he had no other choice but to release a short statement. Gopalapuram sources say while speaking to Karunanidhi both Nakkeeran Gopal and Kamaraj admitted that their motive was to publish this news and provoke Jaya so that they can boosts their circulation...but since it was an unprecedented reaction Gopal admitted that it was a wrong decision.

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

Add caption

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 wants Kani out before December

As the winter season has begun in Delhi…Karunanidhi seems to be a worried lot. Even during his recent visit to Delhi he was not able to stay for more than 2 days because of bad weather…and the 87 year old DMK Chief caught cold and was not able to speak. After first hand experience of Delhi weather…Karunanidhi has instructed lawyers to get Kani out on bail ahead of the actual winter season…as Delhi’s winter is cruel and its chill reaches the bones.

Karuna regrets meeting Sonia

Whispers doing the rounds in the DMK circles is that Karunanidhi is extremely upset about his meeting with Sonia Gandhi during his recent visit to Delhi. This meeting happened just 2 days ago when Kanimozhi’s bail plea was coming up for hearing in the CBI court and there was speculation that whether the CBI will oppose her bail plea or not. But after his meeting with Sonia and Prime Minister…the CBI did not oppose Kani’s bail …triggering fresh speculation in Delhi’s political and judicial circles. As Karunanidhi got the timing completely wrong…a visibly upset Karuna has told some of his senior party leaders that his meeting with Sonia Gandhi could have been avoided.  

Karuna not ready to take on congress.

It appears that Karuna has developed a cold feet in taking on the congress.  The DMK which was vociferous in its opposition to the fuel price hike is speaking in a muted tone now.  Speaking on the fuel hike issue TR.Balu on Friday said that the DMK would demand a roll back on prices in the parliament session and the DMK agrees with Mamta.    But speaking to reporters on Monday, the reaction of Karunanidhi was subdued. Karuna said ‘We would not quit UPA and he would always uphold alliance dharma.”   He also refused to comment on Mamta’s reaction. The subdued response is more to do with Kanimozhi’s bail than alliance dharma.

Probe into Anna Centenary Library

Sources say government is contemplating a probe into the purchase of books and construction of the Anna Centenary Library by the previous DMK government.  With the move of Jayalalitha who at any cost want to close down the library being shot down by the judiciary it appears that the government is contemplating probe into the affairs of the library.   DVAC sleuths are directed to collect documents regarding the purchase of books from the library department for making a preliminary verification before going in on full throttle. 

J K Tripathy to be shunted out?

Following the huge re-shuffle in the IAS cadre in Tamil Nadu, which saw many bigwigs change turf, there is more expected in IAS circles. but for the moment its yet again ‘musical chair’ for IPS say sources.  Amma is dissatisfied with the performance of many cops say sources. Chennai city’s top cop J.K.Tripathy appears not to be in good terms with the power centers in the Fort St George.   In the evening hours Tripathy is not accessible say sources.  Tripathy being the top copy in the city, particularly after the merging of suburban areas with Chennai city,  being inaccessible at important times, has irritated the top brass. Whispers doing rounds is that S.George, who is the present ADGP L&O is eying the city’s top post and is into hectic lobbying in bureaucratic circles.   The shuffle, which is expected anytime soon will shake up the police set up in the state.

Fear Grips Maran Brothers 

With Kani’s bail being rejected by the Special Court…fear seems to have gripped Maran brothers who are on their way to Tihar jail. Sources close to Maran brothers say that they are leaving no stone unturned to evade arrest in the spectrum allocation case. While their family members in Chennai are busy seeking divine intervention….Whispers doing rounds in Delhi is that both Kalanidhi and Dayanidhi Maran’s have been trying to pull all strings possible to delay the CBI's action against them…and to some extent it appears they have been successful.

The recent meeting between Karunanidhi and Sonia Gandhi…followed by India's premier investigative agency the CBI not opposing Kanimozhi bail…seems to have raised hopes for Maran brothers… as they were also attempting to take the same route…Now things seems to be very difficult for the Marans... As Kani’s bail has been rejected yet again on grounds that are very much applicable to Marans as well…Tension seems to have gripped the boat club brothers’ empire. Sources close to Marans say given the present circumstances both brothers are in fear as they will have to stay longer in jail.

Angry Karunanidhi slams DMK lawyers

87 year old DMK Chief…who is now under painful moments as his favourite daughter Kanimozhi is left with no other option but to remain in jail for some more time… Karuna is extremely angry against the lawyers as he feels that he is being misguided time and again. This time the DMK camp was extremely confident that Kani will be out on bail…so given the circumstances, the positive vibes from the SC and the assurances from all quarters especially lawyers…Karunanidhi executed his plan of giving a warm and a royal welcome for his daughter…as per his instructions top leaders of the DMK including his sons M K Stalin and M K Alagiri were asked to be in Delhi on November 3 to receive Kanimozhi…much to everyone's surprise in the DMK it was a complete anti-climax…

Whispers doing rounds is that Karunanidhi is that...now Karunanidhi is angry against the Advocates who have been advising him in the 2G case…as their leader is extremely upset and angry over the legal setbacks...many DMK advocates are now running for cover just to avoid Karunanidhi's wrath. Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence which is always filled with legal bigwigs like RS Bharathi, Jothi and others...on November 3 they were missing in action.  

 

It’s free for all in DMK

With Karunanidhi showing less interest in party affairs and more interest in getting Kanimozhi out on bail…it’s free for all in the DMK. The party that is already battered by the succession battle between M K Stalin and Alagiri…and now losing its image in the wake of the 2G scam…is witnessing an all out battle between senior leaders and M K Stalin. With M K Stalin currently ruling the roost in the party…it has left seniors like Veerapandi Armugam and many others extremely upset…

Whispers doing rounds in the party is that Veerapandi Armugam who met Karunanidhi two days ago has openly expressed his dissatisfaction over the way they are being treated in the party…Sources in Gopalapuram say Veerapandi Arumugam who met Karunanidhi for more than an hour raised the issue of how party seniors are being subjected to discrimination…Arumugam has also questioned the DMK patriarch on why he did not find time to visit him when he was in Jail and instead made 3 trips to Delhi to meet his daughter Kanimozhi. Sources say Karunanidhi was not able to answer any question raised by Veerapandi Armugam.

Battle of the ‘rising sons’.

With MK.Stalin asserting his position inside the party and strengthening his clout in the wake of a disinterested Karuna, Stalin’s moves has left MK.Alagiri fuming say insiders.

Whispers doing rounds in the DMK is that Veerapandi Armugam is in touch with M K Alagiri, Paruthi Ilamvazuthi and various other frustrated by M K Stalin to launch their offensive against the DMK’s rising son.    Dissidents who are against the rising clout of Stalin in the party are rallying towards Madurai and are narrating their tale of woes to the erstwhile ‘Anjanenjan’ who is all set to spoil any attempt made by Stalin to take control of the party.