Programme shows cultural group’s head with ‘LTTE fundraiser’:

Karunanidhi defends daughter as party war plays out on TV

Express News Service, Chennai, March 5

INDIA: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi today lashed out at those who had caste aspersions on his daughter, Kanimozhi’s LTTE links.

It may be recalled that Tamil Maiyam - the cultural organisation, that had recently organised the Chennai Sangamam (a cultural extravaganza) in the city - had earned flak for its LTTE links Karunanidhi’s daughter Kanimozhi is the coordinator of this cultural organisation that was founded by Father Jagath Gaspar Raj.

The Jaya TV (which has AIADMK chief Jayalalitha’s patronage), had late on Sunday night telecast a 30-minute showing Fr. Gaspar Raj sharing the dais with Nachimuthu Socrates, allegedly a senior LTTE fund-raiser.

The TV programme also highlighted that Socrates was among the eight arrested by the US Federal agents in August last year. He had allegedly plotted to buy surface-to-air missiles for the Tamil Tiger rebels by bribing the US State Department officials. (He wanted the Tamil Tiger group’s name struck off from the list of terrorists organisations).

Responding to the allegations Karunanidhi, in a statement, claimed that the director/anchor of the programme had worked together with Fr. Gaspar Raj in Philippines.

He also played out the minority angle by repeatedly referring to the Father as a person from the minority community. Lashing out at those who had linked the Father with the LTTE - he said these people themselves kept the LTTE’s company (referring to AIADMK’s alliance with Vaiko’s MDMK).

Incidentally, Karunanidhi’s DMK is in alliance with the Pattali Makkal Katchi, led by Dr. S. Ramadoss, known to be a strong LTTE supporter as well.

The programme had also raised uncomfortable questions about Father Raj playing an important role in the state-sponsored Chennai Sangamam. The channel also questioned the Government Order that had given Kanimozhi access to unlimited funds for her cultural initiatives.