Congress firm on keeping ties with DMK

With the Central Bureau of Investigation stepping up probe in the 2G spectrum scam including a raid on a NGO linked to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's daughter Kanimozhi, Congress on Wednesday ruled out any fallout on its ties with key ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Noting that the probe is aimed at unearthing the truth on the 2G issue, Congress general secretary Janardan Dwivedi told reporters "it is not proper to connect that issue (of Congress-DMK ties) with this".

"This is stretching the point too far," he said.

"All these actions(CBI searches) are part of the different kinds of investigations going on into the issue. As far as the relationship with our allies is concerned, we trust our allies and this trust is always mutual," he added.

Dwivedi made these remarks when asked about the CBI raids and their likely fall-out on Congress' alliance with DMK in Tamil Nadu.

Sources close to the top leadership dismissed speculation of any threat to the Congress-DMK alliance, saying everything will remain "intact".

Reacting to the Opposition's allegation that raids are an example of too little too late, Dwivedi shot back, "this is negative approach and complete negative politics".

"They

have been saying so many things and seeking inquiries. And now they are saying it is eyewash. I fail to understand what they want. One should not be cynical," he said, accusing the Opposition of reacting in this manner "for their own partisan politics".

"Congress is committed to taking action against corruption and fighting all types of corruption. We are for clean governance," Dwivedi said.

Dwivedi recalled that party President Sonia Gandhi had made it clear during the CPP meeting on Monday that "there will be absolutely no tolerance for corruption and misconduct." He said that the party has been maintaining this stand for long.

"We have taken action in many such issues. We have also taken action when allegations were levelled even before charges could proved in some cases," he said, referring to the resignations of Ashok Chavan from Maharashtra Chief Minister's post and A Raja from telecom ministry.

"Even this minister (Raja) resigned before charges were proved," Dwivedi said.

"Let inquiries be over. I believe every one who was raising question had this (investigation) as one of the points. That is precisely being addressed now... If there is any doubt anywhere, it must be inquired into properly."