DMK's name is cleared: MK Stalin takes shot at media after 2G spectrum scam verdict

The 2G spectrum scam has given the DMK enough sleepless nights, and the party would be happy to be rid of the taint.

Stalin said the case had been blown out of proportion.

NEW DELHI: DMK working president MK Stalin called on the media to report the 2G spectrum case verdict with the same zeal that the allegations of the scam had been carried. The barb at the media came in a press conference that Stalin addressed soon after a special court acquitted all accused in the 2G scam case, including his half-sister K Kanimozhi and his party colleague A Raja.

"As far as the DMK is concerned, the special court's verdict clearly shows that the party has not committed any mistake," said Stalin, the son of party patriarch M Karunanidhi.

"I humbly request the media to take the news to the people that the court has cleared the DMK of any wrongdoing with the same zeal with which it had blown up the reportage to the people and slandered the DMK," he said, as a barb at the media.

"This 2G case was filed as part of a scheme to humiliate and destroy a party. To this end, they blew out of proportion with fallacious estimates and foisted the case. So, the acquittal of all individuals by a special court in New Delhi is a verdict that gives joy," Stalin added.

The 2G spectrum scam has given the DMK enough sleepless nights, but the party leadership has steadfastly stood by Raja and Kanimozhi, throughout the ordeal. It was among the corruption charges that were blamed for the DMK's ouster from power in the 2011 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and for leaving the party unable to attract allies in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and the 2016 Assembly election.

However, persistent and widespread anger over allegations of land grabbing and corruption in the DMK government of 2006-2011 too played a major role in 2011 and 2014.