Title - MK chides minister, backs Baalu

DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi on Monday expressed concern over the pitched battle between the party’s Parliamentary leader T R Baalu and Union Minister of State for Railways S S Palanimanickam. In an editorial in party organ Murasoli, the octogenarian questioned Palanimanickam’s decision to speak to the media in Thanjavur, which brought the differences between him and Baalu out in the open.Even as he urged the warring leaders to bury the hatchet and work together for the party, Karunanidhi’s letter raised no question against Baalu, as it did against Palanimanickam. “He could have written a complaint and submitted it to the headquarters. What was the hurry? Why give this interview.... Just because I forgive and forget everything, should somebody dare to do just about anything?” asked Karunanidhi.“Why am I here? Why is the party leadership here? If this scenario plays out in every district what is the limit?” he added.Karunanidhi also said Palanimanickam had come in person and explained the reasons behind his decision to give the interview to him, party veteran Durai Murugan and organising secretary T K S Elangovan.

He ended his letter saying Palanimanickam had jumped up to protect Baalu in Parliament, and that Baalu was also the kind of person who would protect Palanimanickam, and that the two of them should work together.

Baalu’s recent letter to the media taking credit for railway projects in Thanjavur district had stepped on the toes of Palanimanickam, who had retaliated with an interview attacking Baalu and his son T R B Raaja.