Sasikala retains her forte?

Though it is shocking, it is true.  Whispers in the power circles is that Sasikala, aide and confidante of Jayalalitha for more than two decades has retained her forte. It was almost evident that Amma was cracking the whip on the Mannargudi Mafia which has spread its tentacles throughout the state.    The tentacles of the MM cartel were so powerful that officials who were entrusted with the task of releasing the Tamil Nadu administration from the web of the MM cartel were perplexed as to cut which tentacle of the octopus. 

News spread among journalistic circles that Sasikala’s tiff with Amma has reached a boiling point and Amma has made it clear that Sasikala should remain as her personal aide, without any role in the administration.  The whisper was strengthened when Sasikala made an untimely exit from the Poes garden to her close relative’s house.   Sasikala’s sudden exit fuelled rumours that Amma had made Sasikala persona non grata. But, in the evening Sasikala was back in Poes Garden as usual.  But whether Sasikala is wielding the same clout with Jayalalitha – making policy decisions as to who should be appointed to where – is anybody’s guess.

Senior bureaucrats and Police officers who were jittery following Amma’s diatribe against the MM cartel heaved a sigh of relief following the re-entry of Sasikala into garden. But it was after this news that "CM's deputy Secretary Ramalingam has been relieved from his duties", that rattlled the powerful community in the state bureaucracy. 

This news reached the man of the moment Ramalingam when he was inside Poes Garden, but the order was not served to him immediately as it happens in other cases. Sources say it took several hours for the officials to even serve the orders. (Which obviously did not reach him at all) But the inside story is it was a deliberate attempt to delay orders and  there was hectic lobbying underway to save Ramalingam from being booted out.

Whispers doing rounds in the corridors of Fort St George is that senior bureaucrats from an influential community worked overtime to ensure that Ramalingam stays in CMO. Sources also say, IG intelligence Thamarai Kannan was shrewd enough to convience Amma after she decided to chuck Ramalingam out.

The rosy picture given by Thamarai Kannan was that Ramalingam, a Deputy Secretary in the Chief Minister’s office - who actually is the eyes and ears of Sasikala - is a most loyal person.  Ramalingam who was asked to go on long leave was asked to re-join duty as of today – Friday 16 December 2011. 
 

Fort St George sources say Ramalingam, who is serving as a Deputy Secretary in the Chief Minister’s office is the person who is nominated by Chinnamma to keep a tab on the movements and developments in the CM’s office. 
 

Following the inputs given to Jayalalitha about the clout of the MM cartel, she chose to weed out the MM nominees. Officers who were rejoicing about the clipping of wings of the MM cartel are now having a second thought whether to open their heart or take sides with the MM cartel, which, as of now, appears to be as powerful as it used to be.

END GAME : Mannargudi Mafia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pon.Manickavel : Gone in 90 seconds

Just like the Hollywood blockbuster “Gone in 60 seconds” it took less than 90 seconds for Pon.Manickavel to be shunted out of intelligence.  90 seconds was the timeframe fixed by Pon.Manickavel to his subordinates in intelligence wing to report any incident. 

Whispers doing rounds in Khakhi circles is that Pon.Manickavel as soon as he was posted to intelligence wing started asserting himself as Number one.  He started prescribing dress code for intelligence wing staff as he did during his stint in Central Crime Branch.   Subordinates who fail to come to office in time and who fail to report any incident within his time frame – 90 seconds – were taken to task.  Female subordinates who use to wear churidars were also given strict instructions to wear only saree. His high decibel shouts and the language he chose to pull up his subordinates made him unpopular in the intelligence wing.

Sources say complaints kept pouring in to DGP Ramanujam, who is also the state intelligence chief.  Ramanujam who had a long stint in intelligence wing was disapproving of Pon.Manickavel’s ways and ideas of intelligence collection.  As regularly reported in these columns Pon.Manickavel’s division of the intelligence wing on communal lines has also not gone down well with many.  Staff working in the intelligence who doesn’t belong to the popular dominant community were sidelined and given a step-motherly treatment say insiders.  His open teasing of obese staff, sarcastic comments on every issue and his constant dissatisfaction over everything seems to have made him very unpopular.

Whispers doing rounds in State police head quarters is that Pon.Manickavel’s instructions to his subordinates regarding gathering of intelligence has also irked many quarters say sources.  Pon.Manickavel concentrated his energies mostly in knowing intrinsic details of the happenings in former CM Karunanidhi’s both households and DMK related affairs which he thought would earn him the goodwill of Amma.  The other main areas of intelligence gathering regarding law and order and communal disturbance were not given the importance they deserved.

Minutes after taking charge Pon.Manickavel carefully engineered the exit of K.N.Sathyamurthy from the intelligence wing, whom he considered as a parallel power center inside the intelligence wing, say insiders.   Being sidelined Sathyamurthy himself opted out is the whispers in police circles.

However Pon.Manickavel’s exit from the intelligence wing is mainly attributed to the age old professional rivalry between direct recruit IPS officers and Group.I IPS officers in the state.   Direct recruit IPS officers who always hold them one step high over the Group.I officers never take it too kindly to serve under a Group.I officer.   This hatred grows manifold when the Group.I officer happens to be in a position of power and dictate terms. Pon.Manickavel being an officer of Group.I services, who was later inducted into IPS was issuing instructions to district SPs in his capacity as DIG Intelligence.   Many of the district Superintendents of Police who happen to be directly recruited IPS officers, resented Pon.Manickavel’s command over them and were waiting for a chance to pull the rug under Manickavel. Sources say on many occasions he was too demanding.

Whispers doing rounds in police circles is that...Pon.Manickavel’s interference in the arrest of a notorious film producer based in Madurai who thrives in usury proved to be the last nail in his coffin. Anbu @ Anbuchezhian who was notorious for his high handed violent activities in the film industry was called for interrogation on a complaint regarding usury coupled with land grab.  Sources say, Pon.Manickavel on a request from film actor Sarath Kumar had put spokes in the wheels of investigation and had reportedly asked Madurai Rural SP Asra Garg to put the investigation on hold until further orders.   But Asra Garg who refused to heed to Pon.Manickavel’s words arrested Anbu and sent him for remand for which with there was a nasty reaction from Pon.Manickvel. 

Word quickly spread that Pon.Manickavel is favouring Anbu and preventing officers from doing their job.   The north Indian lobby which was waiting for a chance, grabbed this opportunity and passed on this information to the appropriate power center, which resulted in the untimely exit of Pon.Manickavel from the intelligence wing.

Also another buzz doing rounds is that Pon.Manickvel was given the task of arresting M K Stalin and his son...it was a well calculated operation...a compliant was made with the city police and an FIR was filed in no time, intelligence thought that M K Stalin will run for cover like M K Alagiri...but to the surprise of many M K Stalin reacted by lodging a counter complaint of land grabbing against Chief Minister Jayalilathaa. As M K Stalin's complaint hogged the limelight the government was forced to do some damage control. The entire M K Stalin's operation backfired causing huge embarrassment for Amma...as M K Stalin politically scored in the politics of vendetta.  Sources say Jaya was furious due the fumbling of city police and the intelligence. 

But sources also add that given the clout of Pon.Manickavel with ‘Chinnamma’ he may very well make a come back and surprise his detractors. 

Is the police ditching Amma ?

It was Jayalilathaa's promise to the people of Madurai...to bring to book many culprits who had wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu. Be it the henchmen of M K Alagiri or the ruling party MLAs who indulged in ‘Katta Panchayats’ and ran a government of their own. Also Jayalalitha’s victory in the assembly polls was based on people’s desire to throw away the DMK government.

Even as the DMK was crying foul terming it as political vendetta...Understanding the clear mandate, Jayalalitha promptly instructed the police to go after the goons and book cases against them without fear or favour.   Many DMK bigwigs who were ruling the roost in Madurai using the name of Union Cabinet Minister MK.Alagiri were not only put behind bars but were also detained under the preventive detention law.


This action by the State police not only rattled the DMK's Madurai Strongman M K Alagiri but also the entire DMK machinery...Despite being humiliated by the Congress again and again the DMK did not dare to snap ties...the reason M K Alagiri was opposing the idea of pulling out from the UPA...as his Union Cabinet post will become a casualty and he will land in Palayankottai prison. 

This being the ground reality...now doubts are raised whether the police is going soft on accused which had ultimately paved way for the detainees to walk out of prison.  Almost all the henchmen of Alagiri’s detention orders have been quashed by the Courts on the grounds of technical flaws.    The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court and the Madras High Court had quashed the detention orders against Pottu Suresh, Attack Pandi, Essar Gopi, VK.Gurusamy, Ocha Balu and Kudamurutti Arumugham.   The main ground for quashing the detention order was that the authorities failed to dispose of the representations from the concerned against the detention order ‘within time’.  

However, its not new for the police officials to make a weak case...In the infamous Gold Quest scam, which saw lakhs of innocent depositors cheated to the tune of several crores the Crime Branch CID of the state police detained the Managing Director of the firm Pushpam Appalam Naidu under the GOONDAS act.  But the Madras High Court quashed the detention order merely on the ground that ‘the grounds of detention was served after a week’s delay’.  Allegations were made at that time that the CB.CID police had made this flaw deliberately after receiving kickbacks.

Whispers doing in political circles of TN is that a similar pattern is being followed in the cases of Alagiri’s henchmen. The hand in glove attitude is out in the open and whispers are doing the rounds whether the police have a hand in creating a weak case for detention deliberately.    As earlier as 2002, at the time of quashing the detention order of a notorious rowdy Ayothikuppam Veeramani, a Division Bench comprising Justice Jayasimmha Babu and E.Padmanabhan had pointed out about the complicity of the police with the accused.

The Bench while quashing the detention order against Veeramani observed, “ The rationale for preventive detention is the need to protect society from persons whose conduct is inimical to the country's safety or society's welfare and the urgency of the need to take prompt action against them without having to wait for the normal procedures of the person being brought to trial and, thereafter, in case of conviction being incarcerated. The duty to protect the country and the society casts an obligation on the State to ensure that whenever it exercises power of preventive detention, it exercises the same with due care and that the exercise conforms to other requirements of law. Omission to do so would be an instance of the State failing in its duty to protect the country and the society.

Even in cases where the authorities concerned have acted with utmost good faith and with the greatest possible efficiency in clamping an order of detention against a person who fully deserves it, such an order could nevertheless, be set naught by the acts of omission and commission on the part of the State's functionaries as has happened in this case. Repeated instances of such acts of omission and commission which have come to our notice in numerous cases, make us wonder as to whether such omissions are bona fide, or have been made to help the very persons against whom the order of detention is clamped.

The State would be failing in it's duty if it fails to take steps to ascertain the cause for such lapses and take action against those who commit these lapses at whatever level. The State cannot be a silent spectator and merely close the eyes by not taking steps to ascertain the cause for the lapses pointed out by the Court and taking appropriate measures to prevent the recurrence of such lapses.

The lapse that we have pointed out in this order is a very elementary one and should not have happened at all. The detenue in this case is one who is conversant with Tamil and not with English. This is not a solitary case where the detenue knows only Tamil and not English. The majority of the detenues seem to be persons who do not know English and who are only conversant with Tamil. The State, therefore, should be fully alive to the need to communicate to the detenue the detention order and the grounds accurately in Tamil, and to ensure that the order so communicated fully complies with the requirements of law. The errors of translation or omission to translate, which we have found in this case are mistakes, which the State should not have permitted to occur.

Effective remedial measures must be taken by the State to prevent recurrence of such errors. The State should also cause enquiry to be made as to how such lapses have occurred, and if it finds after enquiry, that there has in fact been a lack of due diligence on the part of those who are concerned, or deliberate omission actuated by mala fide intentions, the State should initiate appropriate action. Failure to do so would be a failure to protect the public from the very persons whose activity is considered by the State to be inimical to public welfare, and whose detention is considered by the State itself to be necessary.

We, therefore, direct that a copy of this order be sent to the Chief Secretary of the State, the Home Secretary, as also to the Director General of Police and to the Police Commissioners of the Metropolitan cities who are empowered to make detention orders, so that they will take necessary steps to prevent a situation like the one that we had to deal in this case and also take appropriate action immediately after the reasons for which the orders of detention are set aside by the Courts, are made known to them.”

Attack Pandi

What had happened in 2002 has only seems to be repeating this time in the case of Alagiri’s henchmen.   Every detainee would be given an opportunity to represent before the detaining authority and the Home Secretary to make representations against his detention.   The concerned authorities should dispose of the representations based on their merit before the Review Board reviews the detenue’s detention.  

In the case of Alagiri’s henchmen, it appears that the representations were not disposed off in time, which ultimately paved the way for Alagiri’s men walk free from prison. Whether the police are ditching Amma and are acting in unison with DMK people for reasons best known to them remains a mystery.

So what happens to Amma's biggest election promise to clean up Madurai and other parts of the State???

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?"

Center's all out war against Amma!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Martin Luther Kings in Tamil Nadu Cabinet?

‘I have a dream’ thundered Martin Luther King from the steps of Lincoln Memorial advocating equality for blacks in the US in 1963.   It appears that many Ministers in Tamil Nadu are also having a dream perhaps of a different kind...of becoming the Chief Minister of the State. The buzz in the ministerial circles is that  many of them are almost convinced that Jayalalitha will be convicted in the assets case.  Based on this assessment TN Ministers are having high dreams to become Amma's successor. 

 

Though AIADMK is a party that claims to be an offspring of the atheist Dravidar Kazhagam and that follows the principles of Anna, at present the AIADMK is a party that is known for its superstitions and belief in astrology.  And the latest one in the AIADMK camp to openly come out with his superstitions appears to be the Power Minister Natham Viswanathan who is reportedly to be the top dreamer..  Whispers doing rounds in the Ministerial circles is that Natham Viswanathan has been told by an astrologer that his stars would take him to the post of ‘Chief Minister’. 

Natham Viswanathan who now seems to be completely carried away and consumed by his dreams of Chief Minister post is giving a red carpet welcome and VIP treatment to whoever says that he will become CM. 

   
Natham Viswanathan is praying all his gods and spending his time in temples and shrines to fulfill his dream, say sources in Fort St George. Corporate sharks have found the word ‘you will become Chief Minister’ as the only mantra with Natham Viswanathan who holds a crucial portfolio in Amma's cabinet to get their things done.  Natham Viswanahtan however is keen on filling his coffers ahead of the Chief Minister race, if any. Sources in Electricity Board say, Natham Viswanathan is all set to give a tough competition to his predecessor Arcot N.Veerasamy in making money.   While the state is witnessing severe power crisis Natham Viswanathan appears to be determined to take his share of the booty from TNEB. 

Though the AIADMK has made a huge fuss about corruption in the import of coal during DMK regime, now the AIADMK government too is following the same line drawn by the DMK as far as coal import is concerned, say TNEB insiders.   

Senthil Balaji.

Besides Natham Viswanathan Ministers like Kamaraj, Velumani, Senthil Balaji and Vaithiyalingam are also nurturing their dreams for the hot seat say AIADMK.  In the present cabinet people from a powerful community of the Kongu region are given prominence.   Based on this Ministers belonging to the Kongu belt also are dreaming to strike gold.  While Vaithiyalingam and Kamaraj depend on the support of Sasikala and Diwakaran, Velumani and Senthil Balaji pin their hope on the importance given to their community in the present cabinet.  Whispers also doing the rounds is Senthil Balaji fully enjoys the support of Sasikala’s aide Ilavarasi’s and her daughter... he strongly believes that he could be a leading contender for the hot seat. 

But Natham Viswanathan and other’s  dreams depends on the outcome of the assets case in Bengaluru which has reached its crucial stage. Till then Natham Viswanathan and others can only increase the decibel on their rhetoric… I have a dream…  to become the Chief Minister after a Coup d'état.