Politics

DMK chief to meet PM, Sonia over 2G row

Chagrap

Editor

posted on 14 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

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M K Karunanidhi is also expected to bring up the issue of son M K Alagiri's perpetual absence from Parliament.

New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Karunanidhi is on a damage control mission.

He will be in Delhi for two days during which time he is expected to meet the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.

This to attempt clearing daughter Kanimozhi and Union telecom minister A Raja's names in the 2G spectrum controversy. He is also expected to bring up the issue of son and Union Minister M K Alagiri's perpetual absence from Parliament. Karunanidhi's visit is also aimed at sorting out other issues that could put a strain on DMK-Cong ties ahead of assembly election in Tamil Nadu in May next year.

Until last week, it was his son and Union minister M K Alagiri who gave him sleepless nights. Now, Tamil Nadu CM M Karunanidhi has a bigger worry - the possibility of his daughter and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi too being dragged into the 2G spectrum controversy along with Union telecom minister A Raja. As the wheelchair-bound DMK patriarch boarded a flight early Sunday for a two-day visit to Delhi, he will carry with him a long agenda that will include Alagiri, Kanimozhi and Raja.

While a few senior DMK leaders insist that the Sonia-Karunanidhi meeting would be a mere courtesy interaction, sources confirm Kalaignar was keen to clear the names of his daughter and Raja in the spectrum controversy and also explain Alagiri's prolonged absence from Delhi and Parliament that has not only triggered an opposition outcry but also drawn flak from UPA.

A couple of DMK Lok Sabha MPs close to Karunanidhi have been briefing him on the Alagiri matter, the debate on the 2G spectrum in Parliament and some 'exposes' on the issue.

Karunanidhi is expected to reassure the Congress leadership about Alagiri's continuation in Cabinet, dismiss allegations against his daughter, and reiterate confidence in Raja. "Our party leader will not have recommended Raja's inclusion in the Cabinet if he had any doubts about his integrity," a DMK leader said. He also ruled out the possibility of Karunanidhi pushing for early assembly elections.