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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and demanded early passage of the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha. Talking to reporters after the meeting, Karunanidhi said: "I told Sonia Gandhi that steps should be taken to pass the Women's Reservation Bill as soon as possible." It was not clear whether the controversy surrounding Telecom Minister A Raja over the 2G Spectrum figured during the meeting. Karunanidhi, who is in Delhi on a three-visit, will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh later this evening. Karunanidhi had on Sunday backed A. Raja and virtually ruled out his resignation as demanded by opposition parties over the 2G controversy. 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 meets Sonia, demands early passage of Women's Reservation Bill