chennai Television

1. Chronology of events

a.Dayanidhi complains to police on Feb 15th that SCV operators are harassed and blackmailed to switch over to a rival company
b.Opposition leaders like Jayalaitha Vaiko, and Sarat kumar voice support to his cause
c.Maran’s paper carry lots of Aiadmk friendly advertisements on the eve of Jayalaitha’s birthday.[ Feb 24]
d.Dayanidhi goes to Delhi meets Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi- Details not revealed [Feb 25]
e.Dayanidhi attends Parliament session and is seen sitting in Ministers benches. [Feb 26 March 1]
f.Karunanidhi writes a poem describing Dayanidhi as ungrateful and a prahalad of Murosoli Maran.
g.Stalin Birthday advertisements in Dinakaran [March 1]
h.Kalanidhi visits Stalin to wish him, and before that meets Karunanidhi with close relatives.

The Aftermath
Tamil weeklies and newspapers analyze these events and there are more than two versions on the aftermath. Junior Viketan, Kumudam Reporter, Tamilan Express, Nakeeran and Thuglak carried this news and analyze them as front-page stories.

While both Junior Viketan and Kumudam reporter claim that Azhagiri fumed after this and went to Karunanidhi’s house and sought explanation. Junior viketan claims Karunanidhi had a tough time in pacifying Azhagiri and with a help of a minister assured Azhagiri that status quo will be maintained. Stalin was summoned and was told by him not to show any friendly gestures to the Marans. Stalin had opposed this and has said that It is in the Interest of the party that the family feud should end. He is supposed to told Karunanidhi that Azhagiri is getting all importance and is using his clout to use police and Kalaignar Television. Karunaidhi had used a emotional blackmail of willing to step down if not heard. Stalin is supposed to have retorted that he will resign in case his wish is not met. All this in Junior Viketan in a format as if their reporter was in Scene. They also mention all the people around when these took place-giving credence to their report.

Kumudam Reporter also says Azhagiri fumed but ends by saying that Karunidhi has clearly told his officials that there is no peace and things have not changed. It also claims that he did not speak much to Kalanidhi.

Nakeeran in its cover story claims Kalanidhi met Karunanidhi to request him not to precipitate matters by ousting Dayanidhi from party as was rumored as the next eventuality. Other weeklies told that Stalin felt that the Marans getting close to opposition will do immense harm to parties and that is why he responded to peace overture. Also Dayanidhi is supposed to have included Azhagiri as first culprit in dinakaran office episode by using friendly men in CBI.
Tamilan Express gives an entirely different version. It claims that nothing was without Azhagiri’s knowledge. It also claims that Azhagiri has mellowed down in his opposition to the Marans and most probably Kalanidhi might meet him in near future. It claims that Karunanidhi informed Azhagiri in advance that they are coming to meet him.

Of course anything can happen in politics. But Azhagiri not going in person inspite of being in Chennai and also his friendly district head of Madurai and Theni also not coming to wish Stalin gives us an Impression that the Junior Viketen versions more close to Truth. The new Indian Express in March 3rd claimed that Azhagiri is flexing muscles by being serious in making Royal cable vision, [a direct competition to the Marans] as a success.
Karunanidhi being an astute politician is still keeping all options open and is yet to reveal his cards in open.