UPA tries to placate Maran; NC says all options open

WILL HE, WON'T HE? Maran had indicated on Monday that he might abstain from the Vote of Confidence.

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New Delhi: In what could be a slight breather to the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government , the Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) is reaching out to former Union minister Dayanidhi Maran.

He had indicated on Monday that he might abstain from the Vote of Confidence.

Differences within the DMK family have been festering for a long time, especially between the party's patriarch and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and his grandnephew Maran.

But the party is hoping that Maran will not defy its whip.

In an effort to appease Maran, the DMK leader and Road and Highways Minister TR Baalu told CNN-IBN that he is confident that Maran will not go against the party's stand.

"Dayanidhi Maran is not a child. He is an experienced person. He is the son of the great Murasoli Maran and I don't think he will defy the whip. He knows how to act in a time of crisis," Baalu said.

When asked what action the party will take against any MP who defies the whip, Baalu replied that it was a hypothetical question and cannot be answered now.

Meanwhile, the National Conference is going easy on the UPA. Its President Omar Abdullah has categorically stated that he won't be asking for any favours in return for his support.

The NC held a meeting in Srinagar to decide on the Vote of Confidence and authorised Omar Abdullah to take the final call.

Omar has said that that all options are open for the party.