Tussle with TMC may be behind DMK's bombshell

Some political observers believe the Dravida Munnetra Kazagham's decision to quit the I K Gujral ministry is the result of its ongoing tussle with the Tamil Maanila Congress which is also a constituent of the 13-party political combine.

It is no secret that the DMK and the TMC do not see eye to eye but carrying on the tussle to the political centrestage, at the DMK's behest, has rattled the United Front.

TMC president G K Moopanar and UF convener N Chandrababu Naidu believe the DMK's decision will not undermine the the Gujral government's future as Karunanidhi will extend support to it from outside. Congress spokesman V N Gadgil has echoed similar views.

However, the prime minister seems to be uncomfortable as the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies are likely to exploit the fissures in the Front.

The BJP leadership has smelled an opportunity to destabilise the Gujral government and further drive a wedge between the DMK and the UF.

Though the BJP's bid for power at the Centre appears a little far-fetched at this juncture, Gujral is apprehensive about the Congress. Though Sitaram Kesri has been asserting that his party will continue to support the UF government, the Congress chief's actions in recent weeks have triggered doubts.

Significantly, Kesri has summoned a meeting of senior party colleagues to assess the political situation arising out of the DMK's decision.

Aware of Kesri's designs, Gujral is keeping his fingers crossed as the list of problems plaguing his government gets longer -- the petroleum price hike, accommodating the Rashtriya Janata Dal in the United Front and the fate of Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav in case he is arrested by the CBI. Gujral is also drawing flak for postponing the Front's steering committee meeting which is poised to discuss such crucial issues.

EARLIER STORY:
DMK will leave United Front govt, support UF from outside