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.

Railway IG Sunil Kumar IPS under scanner

Railways IG Sunil Kumar is now under the scanner of State intelligence...this is because of his alleged links with DMK bigwigs and people close to top DMK leaders. Whispers doing rounds is that IG Sunil Kumar is suspected of facilitating phone calls between M K Stalin’s close aide Raja Shankar and others. Raja Shankar a close aide of M K Stalin is now a prime target in the AIADMK government…he is the only person who has the knowledge of M K Stalin’s investments and business transactions. After the AIADMK came to power he was brought under the scanner and his activities were closely watched by the State Intelligence…this was an attempt to collect concrete evidence against M K Stalin. Whispers already reported on how the State Police is gearing up for “Operation Suriyan”…since this process was underway… police officials found that Railway IG Sunil Kumar was acting as a go-between. Whispers doing rounds is that the State intelligence department officials have found that he was facilitating conference calls between M K Stalin’s close aide Raja Shankar and his contacts. Now intelligence officials are in the process of collecting call records of IG Sunil Kumar…looks like IG Sunil Kumar is in deep trouble. 

Is Shakeel Akthar helping Marans?

If IG Sunil Kumar is brought under scanner…his friend IG Shakeel Akthar is also in the middle of yet another controversy. 

A whisper in the Khakhi department is his movements are also closely being watched by the State intelligence. ..as there are reports that he is helping KD brothers to escape the clutches of law.

CMDA and Corporation gears up for yet another “EYEWASH” 

After the Madras High Court came down heavily on the issue of illegal constructions in T Nagar. Officials of the CMDA and Chennai Corporation are gearing up for yet another drama. The first bench of Madras High court on October 13^th pulled up CMDA authorities on the steps taken to demolish unauthorized constructions and ridiculed the status report filed by the CMDA. The Court had also asked authorities to file separate affidavits stating whether they had complied with its earlier directions and also asked them to explain as to why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. In this back drop now the CMDA has finally decided to take action against illegal constructions in T Nagar to escape court action. Unauthorized constructions are likely to be razed in a few days...what happened today in T Nagar is just an attempt to pacify the Court. So that its widely reported in news papers and TV channels…as the case is coming up for hearing on November 1. So when Chief Justice M Y Eqbal and Justice T S Sivagananam will be having their bed coffee along with news papers on the first of November...the action taken against illegal constructions will be widely reported and Judges will be pacified. Whispers doing rounds in T Nagar area is that…As the officials have decided take action against illegal constructions to save their skin…the owners and traders are also gearing up to expose the politicians and authorities who received lump sum amount as bribe and allowed these illegal buildings to operate in T Nagar.  As of now, this morning at around 6.30 am, sealing of buildings has commenced. This will also be another headache for Chennai’s newly elected Mayor Saidai Duraisamy as this first major demolition drive is taking place under his leadership in an area where he resides…

Is DMK falling apart?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A.Raja to be ditched by DMK?

The Game is over Mr. Raja

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

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

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

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

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