The DMK has ‘‘for the timebeing’’ decided to keep out of the Congress-led government at the Centre. The DMK executive which met in the city this evening resolved to ‘‘watch the approach’’ of the Sonia Gandhi-led government for a ‘‘period of time’’ and then decide on the question of joining the government. However, the party would ‘‘provide utmost cooperation and support’’ to the government and ensure its stability, DMK president M. Karunanidhi said. Nonetheless, he refused to divulge the reasons for the ‘‘keep out of gaddi at the moment’’ decision. All he would say was: ‘‘It is the decision of the party executive. And I am happy with it.’’ Asked about speculation in a section of the Tamil media that he was being offered deputy Prime Ministership, a smiling Karunanidhi said: ‘‘Party cadres are happy with such reports. But I am more happy being the DMK chief.’’ Though he was under intense pressure from a section of party seniors to get to the Delhi gaddi, it appears that he decided to wait and watch primarily because he did not want to appear to be in a hurry to grab power. In fact, sources say, a majority of the seniors who addressed the executive meeting were in favour of the party joining the government. However, party MLA Sattur Ramachandran, considered close to Karunanidhi’s son M.K. Stalin, who is being groomed as the Chief Ministerial candidate, insisted that the DMK should focus on preparing itself for the 2006 Assembly elections and not jump onto the coalition bandwagon. And the Stalin acolyte had the last word. The stubborn refusal of MDMK chief Vaiko to participate in the government also contributed to the DMK’s decision. But it may not be long before the DMK takes the plunge, say insiders. Meanwhile, Karunanidhi would leave for Delhi tomorrow to hold discussions with Sonia Gandhi and the Left.
