Anything To Declare, Mr Verma?
The arrest of the Central Board of Excise & Customs chairman has revealed the rot that has set in the premier revenue- collection authority. An inside story of his assets, and rise to position of power. Plus: The sex and smuggling controversy arising from his dubious links with Uzbek nationals.

The Silk Route
The Customs played an active role in a smuggling racket by Uzbek couriers that could have compromised the nation's security.

Rites Of Passage Despite stringent internal controls, the CBEC is one of the most sullied departments in the country.

The Earth Citizen
The former United States president returns to India to share the sorrows of quake-hit Gujarat.

In Quest Of Numbers
There's a scramble for winning combinations, from caste-based alliances in Tamil Nadu to political pragmatism in Bengal and Assam.

Green And Bear It
The Delhi Government's complacency leads to a bumpy ride for commuters.

Free At Last
Removal of quantitative restrictions on all imports will transform the Indian market like never before.

ASSEMBLY POLLS 2001: TAMIL NADU

INTERVIEW: M. KARUNANIDHI
"Vaiko Walked Out In A Huff"

Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi spoke to Associate Editor Vaasanthi after Vaiko's MDMK snapped ties with the DMK:

Q. Everything was going fine. What happened suddenly?
A. After signing the agreement, they (MDMK) started creating trouble. They demanded that they be given more seats than the BJP. We gave them 21 after requesting the BJP to return two seats of the 23 given. We thought all was fine. Then the MDMK made more demands. When Vaiko met me, I told him it would not be possible to concede all his demands. He just walked out in a huff. They shouted anti-DMK slogans and stuck obscene posters all over the town.

Q. Vaiko says that they had to leave because you shut the door.
A. We did not shut the door. How patient can you be?

Q. Critics say you overreacted.
A. Look, I have seen a lot in my life. I don't get worked up about such behaviour anymore. But if they misbehave, our cadres will not keep quiet.

Q. Everyone was surprised when you allotted 23 seats to the BJP.
A. I do not know if the BJP has grown structurally here but we know from our surveys that it has a vote bank. Our allotment of seats is based on the winning capacity of each party.

Q. Will the defence scam affect your prospects?
A. Not at all. People here don't even know what it is about.

Q. Are you not embarrassed that Vaiko remains in the NDA in which the DMK is a prominent member?
A. No. I am happy that he has not left the NDA.

Q. There is criticism that you see Vaiko as a threat to Stalin's future.
A. That is an old story. Vaiko is not even in the party. How can he therefore be a threat?

Q. Do you agree that the MDMK's exit will be a setback for your front?
A. Certainly not.

MetroScape

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Looking Glass

Delhi Exhibition:
Ghislaine Aarsse Prins

Delhi Restaurant:
Art Diva Cafe

Mumbai Bar:
Starboard Bar