Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (SP)

New Delhi, Jul 7: Even as the Central Bureau of Investigation has suggested that they are looking into the involvement of textiles minister, Dayanidhi Maran, in the sale of Aircel to an industrialist close to the minister, Maran, it is learnt, attended the cabinet meeting today morning.  While testifying before CBI, Sivashankaran, who owned Aircel in the past, had revealed that he was arm-twisted by Maran intoto selling his entity. The said industrialist had then invested around Rs 800 crore in Sun TV owned by Maran’s brother. Sources said that Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi, held discussions on the need to ask Maran to resign. However, they decided on consulting Karunanidhi before taking any concrete action, it is gathered.

With A Raja and Kanimozhi already behind bars, DMK’s image is sagging. This was reflected in the root it suffered at the hands of AIDMK in the recent state assembly election. If Maran is forced to exit and face trial, it will deliver further blow to the beleaguered party. The recent comment of DMK president, Karunanidhi, that Maran will defend himself, has given rise to speculation that he is not interested in guarding the minister, who is his relative too. There is speculation that Karunanidhi has already suggested replacement for Maran.