Rebellion quelled in DMK

Whispers doing rounds is that the age old ‘Chanakya of Tamil Nadu politics’ has once again proved his mettle.  Very soon the misguided sheperds of the DMK Parithi Ilamvazuthi and Malai Raja, who resigned his post as Tirunelveli DMK secretary will be re-affirming their faith in the DMK by giving shawls to both Karunanidhi and one among the rising son MK.Stalin.  DMK insiders say that M K.Alagiri who was not so active in politics had negotiated the truce.

This after Veerapandi Armugam met Karunanidhi personally and expressed his dissatisfaction on the way senior members are treated in the party. DMK insiders say Veerapandi Armugam had warned Karunanidhi that if this trend continues in the party then it will be very difficult, because already the party is on a weak wicket and is being targeted from all sides. M K Stalin who took several attempts to unseat Veerapandi Arumugam in the party but seems to have failed yet again. Now Veerapandi Armugam is on M K Alagiri’s side and enjoys his full backing.

Also sources say yet another reason for this damage control exercise is that …M K Alagiri’s refusal to go to Delhi on November 3 to receive Kanimozhi as the 87 year old father was expecting her release. People close to M K Alagiri say that he was miffed because Karunanidhi is only bothered about Kanimozhi and M K Stalin is encroaching his domain and targeting his supporters.

Even as Karunanidhi attempts a truce…the rising son seems to be disappointed and has strongly registered his opposition…Stalin’s argument is if they are back in the party then it will send across a wrong signal…But the real reason is they had quit their party posts by openly challenging M K Stalin’s authority. So the rising son is afraid that if a compromise is reached then his image in the party will take a severe beating.

Blow after blow for Amma!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TN Cabinet reshuffle : Jaya's SIXER!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kalairajan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TN Cabinet re-shuffle!

Tension seems to have gripped the AIADMK camp ahead of the much awaited Cabinet re-shuffle… even as there is palpable tension among the present Ministers… each and every minister is running from pillar to post to save his position. The secretariat PRO seems to be the man who is widely being contacted by all the Ministers…so that he may help them in arranging for some positive media coverage. While on one hand many of the present Ministers are maintaining low profile…just because of the reason that if they get too noticed then that will be the last nail in their coffin. …On the other hectic lobbying is underway inside “Veda Nilayam”…Thousand lights MLA Valarmathi is leaving no stone unturned to get into Amma’s cabinet and also T Nagar MLA V P Kalirajan has gone an extra mile to impress Jayalilathaa...in order to catch Amma’s attention Kalairajan has erected huge hoardings and banners praising Amma along the R K Salai stretch.

Whispers doing rounds in the AIADMK is that V P Kalairajan is taking the “MM” route which is fondly know as the “Mannargudi Mafia” in political circles… to reach the corridors of power. It’s a desperate attempt by VP Kalairajan as he is losing the turf battle against his arch rival Senthamizhan.  Sources in the party say many others have also approached MN & Co to step into the Cabinet. 

Deliberately sidelined seniors like Pollachi Jayaraman and Nainar Nagentheran are now once again trying their luck.  Sources in Fort St George say Jaya is not happy with the current performance of her Ministers…even though after completing 6 months in office she is yet to make an impact among the people of the State. Her populist welfare schemes are not being talked about…and the only thing that is working in her favour is the people’s anger against the DMK.  

Whispers doing rounds is that this time Ministers like Dr.Vijay, Velusamy, Agri Krishnamurthy, Natham Vishwanathan are the ones who are likely to face the axe. Sources in Khakhi department say the State intelligence has already submitted a detailed report on the performance of the Ministers and also Jaya has received complaints against many of her ministers… both department wise and politically…So that will by and large determine the fate of the present ministers…also whispers doing rounds is that Jaya is all set to follow the “one-man-one-post” formula to ensure smooth functioning of the party at all levels…and also to keep the “Mannargudi  Mafia” at check. 

 

Further the tightening noose around her in the Bengaluru court is also making Jayalalitha to fill up the cabinet completely with her loyalists instead of someone loyal to MM.  And the MM is also making strenuous efforts to push in their candidates to fill in their coffers.

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. 

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. 

Tamil Nadu to get a new Public Prosecutor?

Whispers doing the rounds is that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J.Jayalalitha is all set to appoint a new Public Prosecutor for the State in the place of I.Subramaniam, who is the Public Prosecutor now.   Insiders in Poes Garden say that Amma has received numerous complaints not only against P.P.I.Subramaiam, but also against the present Advocate General Navaneetha Krishnan.    

A state’s public prosecutor is the head of a government’s legal wing as far as criminal matter’s are concerned.   So changing the public prosecutor means that Amma is not satisfied with the performance of the present incumbent.    But who is the lucky winner ?   Whispers doing rounds in the legal circle is that N.Chandrasekaran, who is representing the CBI in the Madras High Court.

Well it’s a lesser known secret…but people close to Chandrasekaran say that he is powerful than the CBI Director…he claims Home Minister P.Chidambaram to be his God  Father  and he is one among the few people who knows all the secrets of Home Minsiter P.Chidambaram.   Sources close to Chandrasekaran say that Chidambaram would talk to Chandrasekaran through the mobile phones of his juniors.

But now his appointment as PP is not mere luck, but is a reward for his loyalty. As Amma is very annoyed about the performance of her legal team and this has naturally resulted as a jackpot for Chandrasekaran…this is the latest buzz in the legal circles.

But how do CBI circles view this appointment ?   Sources in the CBI circles are delighted by the news that is doing rounds  that Chadrasekaran is likely to be appointed as Public Prosecutor.  Their delight is due to the fact that the CBI would get a new face (can be read as lesser manipulative) to represent them in High Court. 

The reason for the delight of CBI is that Chandrasekaran had actually let down the  premire investigative agency on many occassions.    The failure of the CBI to nab the accused and grill them in the ‘Lakshmi Narayana Medical College’ owned by DMK MP and Union Minister Jegatharatchagan has got a lot to with Chandrasekaran legal skills.   Investigations into the TIMES NOW sting operation… which resulted in two touts of the Sri Ramacandra Medical College and Balaji Dental College getting caught on camera for receiving bribe for admission…is yet to see the light of the day. While Ramachandra’s representative was interrogated by CBI, the representative of Balaji Dental College belonging to Union Minister Jegathratchagan managed to wriggle out of the CBI’s case, thanks to Chandrasekaran’s links with the then Suburban commissioner S.R.Jangid.

CBI Director A P Singh

Sources in the CBI say Chandrasrekaran is also accused of playing a crucial role in misleading the CBI and  passing on crucial information to R.Dhanapal Raj, the former Vice-Chairman of Bar Council of Tamil Nadu, who was caught along with the BCI member R.S.Rana in a graft case.

However, legal sources say the administration in the CBI is taking serious steps to get rid of Chandrasekaran as its counsel following the serious setback the CBI received in a murder case of the son of a popular advocate.  The investigation of the case, which is being monitored by the Madras High Court went to the extent of summoning the CBI, Director,  for which Chandrasekaran never made any objection and the timely intervention of  Additional Advocate General seems to have saved the CBI.