Karunanidhi rules out A Raja's resignation - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on Sunday ruled out the opposition's demand for the resignation of Telecom Minister A. Raja over the 2G controversy. When asked by reporters about the demand for Raja's ouster, Karunanidhi said: "I have not come here to convey good news to you people," His remarks on Raja comes days after the entire opposition stalled Parliament proceedings over a newspaper report, which claimed the CBI has evidence against Raja in the spectrum case. Karunanidhi will meet the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, and the Congress President, Sonia Gandhi. Raja represents the DMK in the Union Cabinet and is reportedly close to Karunanidhi. Earlier in the week, opposition stalled proceedings in parliament over a demand for Raja's resignation due to alleged irregularities in 2G-spectrum allotment. However, DMK sources have ruled out the possibility of Raja resigning. Sources said Raja has emerged as the Dalit face of the DMK and enjoys good rapport with Karunanidhi. Though Raja is embroiled in two major allegations -- the spectrum allotment -- and his alleged telephone call to a Madras High Court judge for a favourable order Karunanidhi has remained soft on him. Karunanidhi will also meet President Pratibha Patil and will invite her for the inauguration of the World Tamil Conference.