Census inclusion of Bangladeshis causes Lalu, Ananth spat

May 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): The Lok Sabha was adjourned for a second time on Wednesday evening after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ananth Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad had a strong exchange over Bangladeshi’s being registered as Indian citizen in the current Census.

Kumar drew the attention of the House to the alleged activities of Bangladeshi refugees and the attempt by illegal migrants to register themselves as Indian citizens.

Kumar demanded a statement from the Government on the issue.

He asked whether members of the House are with pro-Nationals or with anti nationals, and alleged that the Bangladeshi effort was not happening without the support of some politicians.

This agitated Lalu Prasad so much so that he tried to walk over to Kumar, but Samjwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh stopped him.

The exchange of words between the BJP and the RJD and SP members continued the Speaker to adjourn proceedings in the House.

Earlier, opposition members forced an adjournment of proceedings till 2 p.m, raising several issues, including Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay”s remarks against a CPI-M member and the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

Soon after Speaker Meira Kumar called for Question Hour, Left members rushed to the Well and started demanding an apology from Trinamool Congress member Sudip Bandopadhyay for his remarks against CPI(M) member Basudeb Acharia.

Kumar”s repeated appeals to allow Question Hour to continue went unheeded even as members from the Treasury benches waved the agenda papers demanding that the House functions properly.

AIADMK members also stormed into the Well waving copies of a newspaper that carried reports on the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

They demanded the resignation of Communications Minister and DMK leader A Raja.

DMK sources however, have ruled out the possibility of Raja resigning.

Sources said Raja has emerged as the Dalit face of the DMK and enjoys good rapport with Karunanidhi.

Though Raja is embroiled in two major allegations — the spectrum allotment — and his alleged telephone call to a Madras High Court judge for a favourable order– Karunanidhi has been defending him. (ANI)

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Uproar in Parliament over Trinamool leader Bandopadhyay”s remarks

May 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 5 (ANI): Opposition members on Wednesday forced an adjournment of proceedings in the Lok Sabha till 2 p.m, raising several issues, including Trinamool leader Sudip Bandopadhyay”s remarks against a CPI-M member and the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

Soon after Speaker Meira Kumar called for Question Hour, Left members rushed to the well and started demanding an apology from Trinamool Congress member Sudip Bandopadhyay for his remarks against CPI(M) member Basudeb Acharia.

Kumar”s repeated appeals to allow Question Hour to continue went unheeded even as members from the Treasury benches waved the agenda papers demanding that the House functions properly.

AIADMK members also stormed into the well waving copies of a newspaper that carried reports on the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

They demanded resignation of Communications Minister and DMK leader A Raja.

DMK sources have ruled out the possibility of Raja resigning.

Sources said Raja has emerged as the Dalit face of the DMK and enjoys a good rapport with Karunanidhi.

Though Raja is embroiled in two major allegations — the spectrum allotment — and his alleged telephone call to a Madras High Court judge for a favourable order– Karunanidhi has been defending him. (ANI)

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Motormen”s strike: Lok Sabha adjourns till 5.30 pm

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): With the debate over the indefinite strike by railway motormen refusing to die down, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar was forced to adjourn proceedings till 5.30 p.m. on Tuesday.

While, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamy said a statement would be made in the House by 6 p.m., the opposition demanded a statement by Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Earlier, the house was adjourned twice-once at 12 p.m. and second time at 2 pm on the issue.

Earlier, immediately after completion of obituary reference, Shiv Sena members trooped into the well flashing placards ”Mumbai comes to a grinding halt” and sought to raise the issue of railway motormen strike.

Shiv Sena members trooped into the well flashing placards ”Mumbai comes to a grinding halt” and sought to raise the issue of the motormen strike.

AIADMK members also stormed into the well waving copies of a newspaper that carried reports on the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

They demanded resignation of Communications Minister and DMK leader A Raja.

With members unrelenting, the Speaker asked Home Minister P Chidambaram, who was replying to a question, to take his seat as nothing could be heard amid the din and adjourned the proceedings till noon.

DMK sources have ruled out the possibility of Raja resigning.

Sources said Raja has emerged as the Dalit face of the DMK and enjoys a good rapport with Karunanidhi.

Though Raja is embroiled in two major allegations — the spectrum allotment — and his alleged telephone call to a Madras High Court judge for a favourable order Karunanidhi has remained soft on him. (ANI)

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Uproar over Mumbai motormen”s strike, Lok Sabha adjourned till 2 pm

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): The opposition in the Parliament on Tuesday created a ruckus and forced the Lok Sabha to be adjourned till 2pm.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiv Sena demanded that Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee make a statement on the issue.

Earlier, immediately after completion of obituary reference, Shiv Sena members trooped into the well flashing placards ”Mumbai comes to a grinding halt” and sought to raise the issue of railway motormen strike.

Shiv Sena members trooped into the well flashing placards ”Mumbai comes to a grinding halt” and sought to raise the issue of the motormen strike.

AIADMK members also stormed into the well waving copies of a newspaper that carried reports on the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

They demanded resignation of Communications Minister and DMK leader A Raja.

With members unrelenting, the Speaker asked Home Minister P Chidambaram, who was replying to a question, to take his seat as nothing could be heard amid the din and adjourned the proceedings till noon.

DMK sources have ruled out the possibility of Raja resigning.

Sources said Raja has emerged as the Dalit face of the DMK and enjoys a good rapport with Karunanidhi.

Though Raja is embroiled in two major allegations — the spectrum allotment — and his alleged telephone call to a Madras High Court judge for a favourable order Karunanidhi has remained soft on him. (ANI)

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Uproar in Parliament over 2G spectrum, Mumbai motormen strike

May 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 4 (ANI): Opposition members on Tuesday forced an adjournment of proceedings in the Lok Sabha, raising several issues, including the ongoing Mumbai motormen strike and the controversy surrounding 2G spectrum bids.

Shiv Sena members trooped into the well flashing placards ”Mumbai comes to a grinding halt” and sought to raise the issue of the motormen strike.

AIADMK members also stormed into the well waving copies of a newspaper that carried reports on the spectrum scam.

They demanded resignation of Communications Minister and DMK leader A Raja.

With members unrelenting, the Speaker asked Home Minister P Chidambaram, who was replying to a question, to take his seat as nothing could be heard amid the din and adjourned the proceedings till noon.

The opposition uproar continued after the session resumed.

DMK sources have ruled out the possibility of Raja resigning.

Sources said Raja has emerged as the Dalit face of the DMK and enjoys a good rapport with Karunanidhi.

Though Raja is embroiled in two major allegations — the spectrum allotment — and his alleged telephone call to a Madras High Court judge for a favourable order Karunanidhi has remained soft on him. (ANI)

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Alagiri says will contest DMK internal polls democratically

April 1, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, Apr 1 (ANI): Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazagam (DMK) leader M K Alagiri on Thursday said he would contest the party’s upcoming internal elections democratically.

Alagiri is reportedly planning to contest for the party chief’s post held by his father and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Alagiri’s statement is seen as extension of a tussle between him and State Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin.

In an interview to a Tamil Magazine, Karunanidhi denied any ‘friction’ between his sons, and said: “If they clash, it would lead to my heart bleeding and both of them know this very well.”

Commenting on his successor, Karunanidhi said: “In a democracy, individuals have the right to choose their leader… but to implement that decision lies with the party; even I do not have that power.”

On Thursday, Alagiri received a rousing welcome on his return to the city after a brief holiday in Singapore.

Last month, Alagiri said he is not ready to accept any one as his leader after Karunanidhi.

“I will not accept anybody in the DMK as my leader. None is qualified or capable to occupy his position,” Alagiri said.

“After Anna, Kalaignar (Karunanidhi’s sobriquet) has been, continues to be, and will remain my leader forever,” he added, (ANI)

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Karunanidhi to remain undisputed DMK leader

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, Mar 24 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi”s elder son M K Azhagiri has said that he cannot accept anyone as the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party after his father.

In an interview to a Tamil magazine, Azhagiri, who is the Union Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister asserted that no one could replace his father in terms of value of capability and that nobody has the talent and qualification to fill in his place.

He, however, said there was no need to think of any one else while Karunanidhi was around.

“When I was 10-years-old, my leader explained to me about Dravidian culture and Periyar. At that time Periyar appeared to be the leader for me. Later Anna”s speech and writings attracted me and I accepted him as my leader,” said Azhagiri.

“After Anna, then, now and forever Thalaivar Kalaignar alone is my leader. There was no need to think of others when Kalaignar is alive,” he added.

Azhagiri and his brother Stalin had earlier also ruled out reports about their father”s retirement and vowed to work together to strengthen the party. (ANI)

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Key ally of India’s ruling Congress party agrees to join government

May 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi – A key ally of India’s ruling Congress party, the regional Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) party, has decided to join the new federal government in return for three key ministerial jobs – ending the deadlock over cabinet positions, media reports said Sunday.

The southern Tamil Nadu state-based DMK with its 18 lawmakers is among the main constituents of the Congress-party led United Progressive Alliance that scored a resounding victory in the recently concluded national polls.

“The problem (over ministerial berths) is resolved. We are joining the (UPA government),” a senior DMK leader told the IANS news agency in southern Chennai city. “They (leaders) are working out the finer details,” he added.

The Congress-DMK discussions over ministerial posts had collapsed a day before Manmohan Singh was sworn in as prime minister for his second consecutive term on Friday.

Amid reports that the party was bargaining for several ministerial positions, the DMK had announced that it was opting to remain out of the government but would support Singh in parliament.

But according to the agreement worked out over the weekend, DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s son MK Azhagiri, daughter Kanimozhi and confidant A Raja will be among DMK leaders getting seven ministerial positions, four of which are at the junior-minister level.

The ministers will be sworn in with the first expansion of the Singh cabinet that is likely on Tuesday.

Singh as well as 19 other ministers took the oath of office on Friday. Pranab Mukherjee and SM Krishna were named as the country’s finance and foreign minister.

Palaniappan Chidambaram will continue as the home minister and AK Antony as defence minister for the second term, the government announced. (dpa)

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DMK shows the door to T.R. Baalu

May 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, May 24 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DravidaMunnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M Karunanidhi is said to have reached a compromise with senior party leaders individually at his residence here on Sunday over Cabinet portfolios.

According to informed party sources, Karunanidhi’s grand nephew Dayanidhi Maran, his eldest son M. Azhagiri and senior leader A. Raja will be the DMK’s choice for full Cabinet rank in the UPA Government at the Centre, while former Shipping and Surface Transport Minister T.R. Baalu has been shown the door for the time being.

These decisions are likely to end the political impasse between the DMK and the Congress over portfolio allocation, though Karunanidhi is said to be quite disappointed over his inability to have Baalu accommodated.

Sources said that they expect some leader from the Congress to fly down to Chennai to announce the formal induction of the DMK into the Congress-led UPA government.

Some sources, however, said they expected some more meetings to take place, especially with supporters of Baalu, who are said to be unhappy over the latest development. The sources there is still every chance of a reversal on the decisions taken so far.

“The party chief is meeting senior party leaders individually and a final decision on joining the UPA government is expected be known this (Sunday) evening,” a DMK senior leader said, requesting anonymity.

“Our demand was nine ministerial berths. The Congress may settle down for seven,” the leader said, adding that first time parliamentarians may not be given cabinet rank but only Minister of State.

After several rounds of talks on sharing of ministerial berths failed, the DMK had announced last Thursday that it would support the UPA government from outside.

The DMK leader said the Congress wants to keep the infrastructure portfolios like shipping, surface transport and power. However, the DMK is keen to complete the Sethu Samudram project and it feels that if a party member is not given the shipping portfolio then the project to create a shipping canal in the Palk Strait will remain in limbo.

However, the general feeling in the leadership is that the DMK will join the government.

He said if the DMK decides to participate, then a Congress leader would come down to Chennai and both the parties would jointly announce the DMK”s joining the government.

Earlier senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and eldest son of party supreme M. Karunanidhi, M. Azhagiri, created a political controversy of sorts on Sunday, when he said that the Congress leadership had not discussed portfolio allocation with the DMK during their meetings in New Delhi last week.

He said that the decision on portfolios would only be determined after the Congress contacts his party leadership in Chennai.

Azhagiri’s controversial comment came as Karunanidhi was locked in discussions with senior party leaders till late Saturday night, grappling with the question of whether the DMK should accept ministerial berths and portfolios offered by the Congress.

With the second expansion of the cabinet taking place on Tuesaday (May 26), sources say the deal with the Congress could be clinched today.

Karunanidhi is faced with the dilemma of dividing the cabinet berths currently on offer between the family and the party.

Meanwhile, key Congress negotiator, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has said there are no differences of opinion with the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) party.

“There is no problem whatsoever with DMK (Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam). We had mutually decided that we would fix some other day to talk to each other because this time we did not have much time. The date of swearing in ceremony was already fixed. And it needed two-three sittings and even DMK itself also said that we”"”ll sit on some other occasions,” Azad said.

Durai Muruga, a DMK leader, said: “We have discussed all the issues of the party, you asked about joining the Centre and that was also discussed in the meeting and I cannot reveal all the discussed matter to press at the moment.”

Emerging as the third biggest party in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after the Congress and the Trinamool Congress with 18 seats, DMK is believed to have demanded seven ministerial posts, which was not acceptable to the Congress.

Karunanidhi visited New Delhi on May 19 and held discussion with Prime Minister-elect Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, but the talks were stalled over allocation of cabinet berths.

While the move will not deprive Congress of a majority in parliament, it is seen as a blow to the coalition after it won a sweeping victory in the general election.

Other regional parties in the 543-member Lok Sabha have assured support to the Congress-led coalition of 274 members. (ANI)

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Karunanidhi battles to end family impasse over Cabinet berths(Update-DMK)

May 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, May 24 (ANI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M Karunanidhi was meeting senior party leaders individually at his residence here on Sunday before taking a final call on whether the DMK would join the Congress-led UPA government or continue to offer outside support.

“The party chief is meeting senior party leaders individually and a final decision on joining the UPA government is expected be known this (Sunday) evening,” a DMK senior leader said, requesting anonymity.

“Our demand was nine ministerial berths. The Congress may settle down for seven,” the leader said, adding that first time parliamentarians may not be given cabinet rank but only Minister of State.

After several rounds of talks on sharing of ministerial berths failed, the DMK had announced last Thursday that it would support the UPA government from outside.

The DMK leader said the Congress wants to keep the infrastructure portfolios like shipping, surface transport and power. However, the DMK is keen to complete the Sethu Samudram project and it feels that if a party member is not given the shipping portfolio then the project to create a shipping canal in the Palk Strait will remain in limbo.

However, the general feeling in the leadership is that the DMK will join the government.

He said if the DMK decides to participate, then a Congress leader would come down to Chennai and both the parties would jointly announce the DMK’s joining the government.

Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and eldest son of party supreme M. Karunanidhi, M. Azhagiri, created a political controversy of sorts on Sunday, when he said that the Congress leadership had not discussed portfolio allocation with the DMK during their meetings in New Delhi last week.

He said that the decision on portfolios would only be determined after the Congress contacts his party leadership in Chennai.

Azhagiri’s controversial comment came as Karunanidhi was locked in discussions with senior party leaders till late Saturday night, grappling with the question of whether the DMK should accept ministerial berths and portfolios offered by the Congress.

With the second expansion of the cabinet taking place on Tuesaday (May 26), sources say the deal with the Congress could be clinched today.

Karunanidhi is faced with the dilemma of dividing the cabinet berths currently on offer between the family and the party.

Meanwhile, key Congress negotiator, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has said there are no differences of opinion with the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) party.

“There is no problem whatsoever with DMK (Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam). We had mutually decided that we would fix some other day to talk to each other because this time we did not have much time. The date of swearing in ceremony was already fixed. And it needed two-three sittings and even DMK itself also said that we”ll sit on some other occasions,” Azad said.

Durai Muruga, a DMK leader, said: “We have discussed all the issues of the party, you asked about joining the Centre and that was also discussed in the meeting and I cannot reveal all the discussed matter to press at the moment.”

Emerging as the third biggest party in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after the Congress and the Trinamool Congress with 18 seats, DMK is believed to have demanded seven ministerial posts, which was not acceptable to the Congress.

Karunanidhi visited New Delhi on May 19 and held discussion with Prime Minister-elect Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, but the talks were stalled over allocation of cabinet berths.

While the move will not deprive Congress of a majority in parliament, it is seen as a blow to the coalition after it won a sweeping victory in the general election.

Other regional parties in the 543-member Lok Sabha have assured support to the Congress-led coalition of 274 members. (ANI)

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Congress did not approach DMK on portfolios issue: Azhagiri

May 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chenni/New Delhi, May 24 (ANI): Senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader and eldest son of party supreme M. Karunanidhi, M. Azhagiri, created a political controversy of sorts on Sunday, when he said that the Congress leadership had not discussed portfolio allocation with the DMK during their meetings in New Delhi last week.

He said that the decision on portfolios would only be determined after the Congress contacts his party leadership in Chennai.

Azhagiri’s controversial comment came as Karunanidhi was locked in discussions with senior party leaders till late Saturday night, grappling with the question of whether the DMK should accept ministerial berths and portfolios offered by the Congress.

With the second expansion of the cabinet taking place on Tuesaday (May 26), sources say the deal with the Congress could be clinched today.

Karunanidhi is faced with the dilemma of dividing the cabinet berths currently on offer between the family and the party.

Meanwhile, key Congress negotiator, Ghulam Nabi Azad, has said there are no differences of opinion with the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) party.

“There is no problem whatsoever with DMK (Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam). We had mutually decided that we would fix some other day to talk to each other because this time we did not have much time. The date of swearing in ceremony was already fixed. And it needed two-three sittings and even DMK itself also said that we’ll sit on some other occasions,” Azad said.

Durai Muruga, a DMK leader, said: “We have discussed all the issues of the party, you asked about joining the Centre and that was also discussed in the meeting and I cannot reveal all the discussed matter to press at the moment.”

Emerging as the third biggest party in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) after the Congress and the Trinamool Congress with 18 seats, DMK is believed to have demanded seven ministerial posts, which was not acceptable to the Congress.

Karunanidhi visited New Delhi on May 19 and held discussion with Prime Minister-elect Manmohan Singh and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, but the talks were stalled over allocation of cabinet berths.

While the move will not deprive Congress of a majority in parliament, it is seen as a blow to the coalition after it won a sweeping victory in the general election.

Other regional parties in the 543-member Lok Sabha have assured support to the Congress-led coalition of 274 members. (ANI)

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Congress-DMK talks fail

May 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) today announced that it would now give outside support to the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government after talks failed on the issue of ministerial berths in the Cabinet.

“Congress’ proposal is not acceptable to us. There was no formula on establishment of government in 2004. The DMK has decided to offer support to the Congress from outside,” senior DMK leader T. R. Balu told reporters here.

According to sources, Congress’ refusal to hand over the crucial Telecom and infrastructure related portfolios to the DMK was the stumbling block.

Earlier, stuck by ‘berth’ pangs, the Congress was grappling with other allies like the Trinamool Congress (TC) who were doing hard negotiations to get plum portfolios as Manmohan Singh gets ready to be sworn in on Friday for a second consecutive term as Prime Minister.

On a day of conflicting reports, the DMK with 18 MPs, the third largest constituent in the UPA coalition, was said to be demanding three Cabinet portfolios, two Ministers of State with independent charge and two at the Ministers of State level.

DMK chief Karunanidhi’s son M K Azhagiri, his grand nephew Dayanidhi Maran and T R Baalu are among the Cabinet probables from the party while his daughter Kanimozhi is among the likely candidates for the MOS slot.

Reports said the Congress was keen to give two Cabinet berths, four MOS slots including two with independent charge. Mediators were trying to work out the final modalities of an agreement. (ANI)

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Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam executive council meets in Chennai

May 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, May 18 (ANI): The executive council of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is meeting here today

Senior DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran said: “A lot of issues will be taken up at the meeting. It’s quite an important meeting. My leaders will meet the press soon after the executive council is over.”

The DMK-Congress combine, which won 28 seats in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, is to review the post-poll scenario.

The DMK won 18 seats, and its allies, the Congress and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), won nine seats and one seat respectively.

As part of the UPA, the DMK contested 22 seats while the Congress had fielded 16 candidates and the VCK two.

Following the meeting, DMK president M. Karunanidhi is expected to go to Delhi to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to discuss possible candidates for inclusion in the new Union Cabinet. (ANI)

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DMK leaders express joy over party’s success

May 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chennai, May 17 (ANI): Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders on Sunday expressed their jubilation at the results of the Lok Sabha elections.

The DMK-Congress combine, which won 28 seats in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, is now ready to review the post-poll scenario.

“Tomorrow is the executive council meeting, which will be held at 10.30 am. A lot of issues would be taken up at the meeting. It’s quite an important meeting. Tomorrow my leaders will be meeting the press soon after the executive council is over,” said Dayanidhi Maran, senior DMK leader and nephew of party chief M. Karunanidhi.

Congress leader Peter Alphonse also hailed party’s victory, and said that the victory of the DMK and the Congress has taught a befitting lesson to those opportunists who deserted the alliance at a crucial hour.

“For those partners of the alliance who were with us earlier, when the government was there and who have deserted the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) last time, have been taught a lesson by the people of Tamil Nadu,” Alphonse said.

The DMK won 18 seats, and its allies, the Congress and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), won nine seats and one seat respectively.

As part of the UPA, the DMK contested 22 seats while the Congress had fielded 16 candidates and the VCK two. (ANI)

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Polls conclude with about 355 million registered voters exercising their franchise

May 13, 2009 By Leave a Comment

New Delhi, May 13 (ANI): The five-phased general elections for 2009 came to a close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday with roughly 355 million registered voters participating in an exercise that is widely expected to deliver a hung house.

A total of 1,432 candidates, including 93 women were in the fray for the fifth and final phase of the general elections. Close to 100 million voters voted for prospective candidates in 86 seats on Wednesday.

Counting will be held on May 16.

One person was killed and several hurt in clashes in Tamil Nadu today, while another was killed in a clash between Trinamool Congress and CPI-M activists outside Kolkata before polling began.

Two scribes of private TV channels were injured when they were allegedly attacked by activists of ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) at Duneke village on the outskirts of Punjab’s Moga town when they recorded footage of party workers carrying weapons in vehicles, police sources said.

Prominent candidates in the fray include Home Minister P Chidambaram, DMK’s T R Baalu, Dayanidhi Maran and M K Azhagiri, Congress’ Mohammad Azharuddin, BJP’s Maneka and Varun Gandhi and Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, MDMK’s Vaiko and SP’s Jaya Prada.

Lok Sabha Speaker Somnath Chaterjee, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and AIADMK chief J Jayalalithaa were among the early voters.

Cine star-turned-politician Jaya Prada, south Indian superstar Rajinikanth, music composer AR Rahman and DMK leader MK Stalin are among others who exercised their franchise.

Besides all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu, elections were held to four seats in Himachal Pradesh, two in Jammu and Kashmir, nine in Punjab, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in West Bengal, five in Uttarakhand and the lone one seat each in both Chandigarh and Puducherry.

Uttar Pradesh, which returns the highest number of MPs (80), and Jammu and Kashmir were the only two states to go to polls in all the five phases.

The Lok Sabha has 545 members, but elections are held to 543 seats as two members are nominated from the Anglo-Indian community. (ANI)

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Karunanidhi is a “Chanakya”, says Lankan minister

April 22, 2009 By 2 Comments

T V Sriram Colombo, Apr 19 (PTI) Dismissing as a poll stunt DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s statement that he did not view LTTE supremo V Prabhakaran as a terrorist, Sri Lanka today said the Tamil Nadu chief minister was a “Chanakya” trying to exploit the issue for electoral gains. “Mr Karunanidhi is a Chanakya.

He knows what to say and when. Not that he is not aware of Prabhakaran’s attitude,” Minister for Social Service and Social Welfare, Douglas Devananda, told PTI. DMK President Karunanidhi had earlier said he did not “see” the LTTE chief as a terrorist and would be saddened if he is killed in the ongoing fighting in Sri Lanka.

Terming Karunanidhi’s description of Prabhakaran as his “friend,” the Sri Lankan Tamil leader and cabinet minister said it was “shrewd diplomacy” on the part of the DMK leader in the backdrop of elections in India. “One should know that Prabhakaran has kept nearly 70,000 innocent Tamil civilians as hostage and using them as a human shield,” Devananda, who is the chairman of the task force for rehabilitation and development of North (Sri Lanka), said.

“Mr Karunanidhi is also considering the election in Tamil Nadu while talking about Prabhakaran”, he said. PTI.
PTI

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