Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi inaugurated a cultural festival organised by NGO Tamil Maiyam. And standing next to him was founder of the NGO, Father Jegath Gasper Raj.
This sharing of stage has raised many eyebrows because this is the same NGO whose office was recently raided by the CBI to probe if any whether 2G scam kickback was routed through it.
Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi is still a trustee of the NGO.
"The people of Chennai have accepted the festival and that's a victory for artists," Kanimozhi said.
The Madras High Court had asked the Tamil Nadu government to not have any financial transaction with Tamil Maiyam. But the NGO says Chief Minister contributed Rs 1 crore from his personal fund.
"The Chief Minister made a huge personal statement by his contribution," said Father Jegath Gasper Raj, Managing Trustee, Tamil Maiyam.
The 2G scam has cast a cloud over DMK's prospects in the upcoming elections. By making this contribution in one of the popular events in Chennai, observers say, Karunanidhi is trying to put up a brave face.