With larger picture in mind, Cong may back Kani to RS

DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s bid to get a second Rajya Sabha term for his daughter Kanimozhi — despite lack of adequate MLAs in the Tamil Nadu assembly — has turned into a bigger issue of whether the Congress is looking to revive ties with DMK, three months after it walked out of the UPA because of differences over the Sri Lankan Tamil imbroglio.

Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) chief M Karunanidhi’s bid to get a second Rajya Sabha term for his daughter Kanimozhi — despite lack of adequate MLAs in the Tamil Nadu assembly — has turned into a bigger issue of whether the Congress is looking to revive ties with DMK, three months after it walked out of the UPA because of differences over the Sri Lankan Tamil imbroglio.

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Karunanidhi deputed senior DMK leader TR Baalu to call on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and defence minister AK Antony, seeking the support of five Congress MLAs.

Rival Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK)chief Captain Vijaykanth, too has sought Congress’ help and had sent his brother-in-law Sudheesh to Delhi to seek support for AR Elangovan.

The ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led front is sure of winning five RS seats, including CPI’s D Raja.

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So, will Jayalalitha then spare her party’s second preference votes to help the DMDK prevent Kanimozhi’s win? The AIADMK is tight-lipped, though the ties between Jayalalithaa and Vijaykanth is far from cordial.

DMK leaders are confident of getting Congress’s support in the June 27 poll, though the Congress is yet to announce its decision. A confident Kanimozhi said, “Kalaignar (her father) won an RS seat even when the party had just 22 MLAs. I am sure I will win the seat.”

Her supporters say the Congress will support her in the interest of a possible revival of ties for the Lok Sabha polls due next year.