The denial of the much anticipated bail to Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, for the fourth time, has not only shattered the hopes of DMK leader M. Karunanidhi and his confidants, but also left them wondering about what lies ahead.
The octogenarian leader, who had visited his daughter thrice in Tihar jail, went into a state of shock when the news broke. A dejected Mr Karunanidhi confined himself to his bed, skipped his meal and stayed aloof. Only on being forced by his wife Dayalu Ammal and daughter Selvi did he take some food later in the day. In the evening, he went to party head quarters Anna Arivalayam.
Sources said Mr Karunanidhi called Kanimozhi’s husband Aravindan and former minister T.R. Baalu to discuss the legal remedy ahead, which could be an appeal in the Delhi High Court. His son M.K. Stalin, who went to Delhi hoping to accompany his sister back home, drove to Tihar to call on Kanimozhi, Sharad Kumar and A.Raja to console them.
The DMK leadership, which is in constant touch with the legal team handling the case, decided not to rush to Delhi HC at once for bail. The team is weighing its options and may decide on an appeal only after knowing the outcome of the bail plea filed by corporate honchos in the apex court.
“No one was prepared for it. Besides the denial of bail, strong observations made by special court judge are disturbing,” remarked a former DMK minister. The anti-Congress sentiment in the DMK camp was once again evident with Ms Kanimozhi’s incarceration crossing five months at Tihar. The DMK top brass are deeply disappointed with the Congress.