July 20 – Tamil newspapers have always played an important role in shaping the outcome of MIC elections. In the last few days, the Tamil newspapers have become the platforms for the MIC leaders to wage war against one another. In the process the Tamil newspapers are also bringing out ‘the dirt’ of politicians.
Leading the war against MIC Vice President M.Saravanan is the Tamil daily ‘Thinakural’ which has gained considerable sales within a short span of time due to its widespread coverage of opposition parties during GE-13.
The paper is owned and operated by Arun Kumar, who is the son of late Athi Kumamanan, a popular journalist and newspaper editor during his times. Lately, there have been speculations that Datuk R.Ramanan, a special officer to the Minister for Federal Territories, has bought into the paper.
Thinakural has now become the mouthpiece of Ramanan carrying his news and statements almost every day. Ramanan is said to be aligned to G.Palanivel and is expected to contest for MIC’s national Youth Leader’s post.
Thinakural attacks Saravanan.
Saravanan, who had always enjoyed cordial relationship with Tamil newspapers is now suddenly facing the wrath of Thinakural which carried yesterday a front page news challenging him to declare his assets.
In a press statement Ramanan alleged Saravanan owned a big bungalow and a luxury car and questioned how the Deputy Minister was able to attain such a wealthy position within a short span of time. In return Ramanan said he would also publicly declare his assets.
Today, Thinakural carried another headliner accusing Saravanan for fuelling a contest between Palanivel and Subramaniam to achieve his own political motives.
Tamil Nesan campaigns for change of leadership
Tamil Nesan, another Tamil daily which is owned by Samy Vellu’s family has always been in the forefront in supporting G.Palanivel and played a crucial role for Palanivel in his quest to win as Deputy President in 2006 and 2009 party elections.
Until a few days ago, Tamil Nesan did not carry any negative news about Palanivel but since the removal of Vel Paari, the paper has commenced a series of articles against the leadership of Palanivel.
On last Thursday (the very next day of Vel Paari’s removal as CWC member) Tamil Nesan in its headlines alleged Palanivel is planning closure of some 500 branches to strengthen his position as President and to defeat Subramaniam for Presidency.
Yesterday, Tamil Nesan ran another front page story saying that a presidential contest is inevitable due to Palanivel’s weak leadership. The paper has also announced that a prominent political writer Peru.A.Tamil Mani would be writing a series of articles beginning Sunday, stressing why there should be a change of leadership in MIC.
The paper’s headlines today revealed that a survey conducted by the paper indicates that Palanivel only enjoys 35% of the electoral votes for the Presidential election.
Only the MIC Branch Chairmen are entitled to vote in the presidential election and currently there are about 4,000 odd branch chairmen who are eligible to vote.
With Tamil newspapers poised to play a prominent role in MIC elections, Palanivel’s choice of Sunther Subramaniam as the newly appointed CWC member has also something to do with newspapers. Sunther controls Makkal Osai and the paper is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Palanivel.
In the coming days, MIC leaders are expected to carry out intense attacks against one another through the 5 Tamil dailies, pushing the sales of these newspapers.
