New Delhi:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK chief Karunanidhi met Sonia Gandhi on Monday morning. He was accompanied by TR Baalu, Dayanidhi Maran and Kanimozhi. This meeting comes at a time when the Opposition has trained its guns on the telecom minister A Raja, for the 2G spectrum issue.
The DMK has made it clear it's backing Raja. The BJP is determined to rake up the 2G spectrum issue in a big way in Parliament, even demanding an explanation from the Prime Minister whose orders were allegedly ignored by Raja.
The telecom corruption allegation comes at a critical time for the Congress because the DMK's 18 MPs are critical to the survival of the UPA government, especially after a reduced majority, and next year Tamil Nadu goes to polls, where the DMK will be fighting to retain power.
It's becoming tougher for the Congress to defend him in the face of corruption allegations that Raja caused a loss of about 60,000 crores by selling of 2G spectrum at much cheaper rates in 2008.
More embarrassingly, Raja bypassed the PM despite an order from Manmohan Singh. But on Sunday, the DMK ruled out the Telecom Minister's resignation.
Q: There are allegations against Telcom Minister A Raja and Opposition wants his resignation. Will he resign? Will you discuss this with Sonia tomorrow?
Karunanidhi: I have not brought any good news to you.
The corruption allegation in the Telecom Ministry comes at a precarious time for the Congress because the DMK's 18 MPs are critical to the survival of the UPA government, especially after a reduced majority.
And it's precarious for Karunanidhi as well because next year his party will be fighting elections to retain power in Tamil Nadu.
The DMK chief is likely to discuss the advancing of Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with the Congress president - elections are due in May next year. But the spectrum issue may figure in the discussion as the DMK is backing Raja to the hilt; Congress may find it difficult to press for Raja's exit.
And Karunanidhi's son MK Alagiri is another issue of concern where DMK politics impact the Centre.
In an open tussle with his brother to succeed Karunanidhi some reports suggest that Alagiri may quit as a Union minister. But sources say it may not happen as Alagiri's family and Karunanidhi want him to stay in Delhi rather than create a conflict at home.
"You ask all these to Alagiri," is what Karunanidhi had to say when asked about the issue.
Next week, the Opposition will demand an explanation from the Prime Minister on allegations against Raja. But just how far is the Congress willing to accommodate its biggest southern ally?