Raja Being Targeted for Being Dalit: Karunanidhi

In the wake of a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi  used ‘dalit’ card to defend Union Telecom Minister A Raja, said media reports.

Opposition has robustly raised the issue of 2G spectrum allotment scandal in the parliament, accusing Raja of corruption and the issue is a big embarrassment for the UPA government.

DMK claimed that the telecom scandal was not issued in the meeting, while Karunanidhi, who also met UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said that Raja was targeted for being a dalit, reports said.

“Since Raja is a dalit the oppressive forces are trying to target him,” Karunanidhi was quoted as saying.

Quoting unnamed sources reports said that Singh broached upon Raja with Karunanidhi during the meeting and latter’s statement only shows that he is supporting Raja to the hilt.

In fact, the spectrum allegations had erupted in 2007 but when the UPA returned to power, the DMK insisted that Raja be returned as the Telecom Minister, making it a delicate issue for the government.

While the Opposition continues to focus on the issue and is demanding an explanation from the Prime Minister, how long can the Congress afford to endure the spectrum scandal remains to be seen.

(Based on media reports)