Thaindian News

Chennai, Nov 28 (IANS) A visibly relieved DMK president and former Tamil Nadu chief minister M. Karunanidhi Monday spoke to his daughter and party MP Kanimozhi after she was given bail by the Delhi High Court in the 2G case.

“The news of Kanimozhi getting bail gives me happiness,” a relaxed Karunanidhi told reporters at his residence.

Asked what will be his first words to his daughter, who has been in Delhi’s Tihar Jail since May 20, after she lands here, he said: “At last, you have come.”

Questioned on whether Kanimozhi would be given any new position in the party, Karunanidhi said the party would decide on that as he is not an autocratic leader.

When asked about DMK MP and former union communications minister A. Raja not moving a bail petition, he said if Raja seeks any assistance, it will be considered.

According to party sources, Karunanidhi was a bit cautious this time, unlike earlier times when Kanimozhi was denied bail, contrary to expectations.

During the course of the day, Karunanidhi watched television and also got in touch with DMK MPs in New Delhi about the happenings in the court.

Karunanidhi’s second son and former deputy chief minister M.K. Stalin, another daughter Selvi, senior leaders and former state ministers D. Duraimurugan, E.V. Velu and others were at the DMK chief’s residence.

He also declined to comment on DMK’s decision to fill the two vacant posts in the union cabinet following the resignation of Raja and Dayanidhi Maran (as textiles minister).

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had named Kanimozhi as co-conspirator in the 2G spectrum allocation case. The Rajya Sabha MP was jailed May 20.

“We are very happy. Everyone is relieved and the mood in general is upbeat,” said Trichi N. Siva, a Rajya Sabha MP.

“We are very happy for Kanimozhi and the other four granted bail today by the honourable high court,” added his party colleague T.R. Baalu.

He said it was a big relief for Kanimozhi’s parents and those close to her.

According to DMK officials, the bail order has come as a morale booster to take on the ruling AIADMK, which is facing the people’s displeasure after the hike in the prices of milk and bus fares.

The high court granted bail to Kanimozhi and Kalaignar TV chief Sharad Kumar, Cineyug Films’ Karim Morani, and Kusegaon Fruits and Vegetables Pvt. Ltd. directors Asif Balwa and Rajiv B. Agarwal in the 2G case.

The charge is that Kalaignar TV Pvt Ltd owned by Karunanidhi’s wife Dayalu Ammal (60 percent stake), Kanimozhi (20 percent) and managing director Sharad Kumar (20 percent) received around Rs.214 crore from Cineyug Films-connected Shahid Usman Balwa of Swan Telecom.

Kalaignar TV has termed the money transaction as a loan.