Author: Express News Service
Publication: The New Indian Express
Date: January 5, 2011
URL: http://expressbuzz.com/edition/print.aspx?artid=236892
Speculation is rife over DMK strongman and
Union minister M K Alagiri's displeasure over inaction by the party on several
of his demands, including the removal of tainted former minister A Raja.
Sources said he sent a letter on Monday, highlighting
his demands that included stripping Raja of all party posts and scrapping
the January 12-17 Chennai Sangamam. There was no immediate confirmation on
whether Alagiri threatened to quit if his demands weren't met, but observers
felt that would have been the logical thing to do.
The rumours gain ground at a time when the
DMK convened a highlevel meeting under Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Tuesday
to chart out a strategy for the forthcoming Assembly elections. Party spokesman
T K S Elangovan did not deny the speculation, but pointed out the meet would
have discussed such a thing if it had happened. "I don't think such thing
has happened," he told Express.
On whether Raja would be removed from the
party, Elangovan was noncommittal, but said there is not much substance in
the allegations against the exminister. "The truth will come out soon."
While on December 23 Elangovan admitted that
Raja's interrogation by the CBI had embarrassed the party, on Tuesday he parried
a question on whether the 2G scam had sullied the DMK's image. "The hullabaloo
is dying down as the BJP has two views on the issue."
"Let the court decide on it. The CBI
is probing the issue and the Supreme court is monitoring it."
Asked if the price rise could become a poll
issue, Elangovan said the prices of essential items were under control and
rice and other edible items were being given at concessional rates through
fair price shops. "The Union government is doing its best."
He also ruled out strained ties with the Congress
and said Karunanidhi did not snub Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by not meeting
him. "He had prior appointments. The PM himself later stated the Congress-DMK
are strong."
