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NT Bureau
Chennai, Jan 12:
 

THE BALL WAS IN HIS COURT: And he played it with aplomb. Vaiko made his comments forcefully before a Magistrate at the Egmore court in the defamation case filed against him by the government. Photo: A R Jayakumar

        Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko today appeared before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court in connection with a defamation case filed against him by DMK Treasurer and State Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy for making charges against DMK President and Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. After hearing, the case was adjourned to 22 January.

        The MDMK leader had alleged that Karunanidhi, with an ulterior motive to damage the image of the MDMK and destroy the party, had conspired and instigated former MDMK deputy general secretary Gingee Ramachandran and former Presidium Chairman L Ganesan, to convene the party's general council and supported them all the way.

        Chief Minister and DMK chief M Karunanidhi denied the charges and said the party would sue Vaiko for making false claims. Following this, party treasurer and minister Veerasamy filed the defamation suit. A similar case was also filed on behalf of the State government.

        When the case came up for hearing today, Vaiko was provided with copies of the complaint. CMM Bhoominathan asked the counsel for the complainant the reason for Veerasamy's absence. The case was then adjourned to 22 January.

        Later, Vaiko told waiting journalists this was an opportunity for him to 'expose Mr Karunanidhi's conspiracy and other plans to destroy the MDMK.' He would face the case legally. Vaiko said 'Mr Karunanidhi's failure and defeat' to create confusion among the MDMK cadre had infused renewed vigour in the party volunteers.

        To a question, he said both Ramachandran and Ganesan were only removed from party posts and not from primary membership as there is still a possibility of their returning to the party fold, after expressing regret, Vaiko added.

        The MDMK leader also said he did not harbour any anger against Ganesan or Ramachandran as they had only fallen prey to Karunanidhi's 'plans.' Asked about his stance vis-a-vis the rebel leaders, 'I will just ignore them,' Vaiko quipped.
 

Down memory lane for Vaiko         When Vaiko turned up in the Egmore court complex today in connection with the defamatory case he was greeted by large number of supporters and party cadres.          As the MDMK leader was talking with them outside the court hall, he said he was reminded of the days when he used to appear in the Poonamallee court as a POTA detenue swarmed by cadres and volunteers and the trying times he had to endure then.