Union Minister M K Alagiri on Monday spent half-an-hour with his stepsister Kanimozhi, who is behind bars for her role in the 2G scam, in Tihar jail. Kanimozhi affectionately addressed Alagiri as anna (brother), as the two spent time together discussing Tamil Nadu politics and the on-going Parliament session.
Kanimozhi and Alagiri have in the past not shared a very cordial relationship and have often avoided each other. However, what is significant is Alagiri not meeting former telecom minister A Raja, who too is lodged in prison. This was Alagiri's third visit to Tihar jail to meet his stepsister Kanimozhi.
Their conversation seemed restricted due to the presence of a jail warden during the meeting. Alagiri spent most of the time talking about their father and Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam patriarch M Karunanidhi's health, the troubles Alagiri's wife faces as she has been accused of usurping temple land, and the ensuing Tamil Nadu civic elections.
Alagiri is said to be very upset with the Centre with regard to Kanimozhi's incarceration. Alagiri also seems upset because there has been no intervention from the Centre at this critical juncture. The DMK is in turmoil, especially since Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha has charged land grab cases against 1,850 DMK cadres from across Tamil Nadu.
Alagiri told Kanimozhi that he had sent two telegrams to the prime minister and Home Minister P Chidambaram; however, he is yet to receive a proper response.
Alagiri not meeting A Raja on Monday is significant and is a clear message to members of the DMK and Congress. The All India Congress Committee had wanted A Raja be reined in ever since he named the prime minister and the home minster in a Central Bureau of Investigation court in the 2G scam.
The AICC and Tamilnadu Congress Committee sent messages to DMK leaders insisting that they seek a clarification from A Raja or expel him from the party.
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