The entire unit of Tamil Nadu Congress, including Union home minister P. Chidambaram who is facing the 2G heat and most former PCC chiefs, will converge in Tirunelveli on Saturday to defend the Centre on the Koodankulam nuke plant issue.

Except Union environment minister Jayanthi Natarajan, who is understood to have been held up in an important official meeting scheduled for tomorrow in New Delhi, all others are expected to descend down south for the crucial rally, which is the major offensive to be launched by the TNCC ever since the Koodankulam nuclear power plant issue was raked up.

Even P. Chidambaram, who is awaiting court’s judgment on Swamy’s plea on Saturday, is learnt to have confirmed his participation in the rally.

Union shipping minister G.K. Vasan and Union minister of state for PMO Mr Narayanasamy besides a host of other state party leaders, particularly former TNCC chiefs, would attend the rally.

Congress insiders say the senior state Congress leaders would target both the ruling AIADMK as well as ally DMK for playing politics on the issue of commissioning the plant, which would bring an additional 925MW to a power deficit TN.

While criticising chief minister Jayalalithaa for her differential statements, Congress seniors would hit out at ally leader Mr Karunanidhi, who, at his party general council on Friday, had accused the Centre as well as state of showing indifference in addressing people’s fears on the crucial issue.