V.C. Arukutty, MLA from the Kavundampalayam constituency in Coimbatore, on Friday announced that he is no longer part of the AIADMK (Puratchi Thalaivi Amma) faction, led by former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam. He indicated that he is likely to support AIADMK (Amma) faction led by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Addressing journalists at his house near Kavundampalayam, Mr. Arukutty said he quit the OPS camp as he was being sidelined and was not even invited for party events and public meetings.
He later told The Hindu over phone that voters and party leaders from his constituency were of the opinion that he should switch to the AIADMK (Amma) faction.
“Welfare schemes to the tune of Rs. 20 crore have been announced for the constituency for which I thanked the Chief Minister. After this, I was sidelined in my faction,” said Mr. Arukutty. “After all, welfare of the people in the constituency is what matters to me as a politician,” he noted.
The MLA indirectly hinted that investing time and energy in divisional politics between the two factions affected the development of the constituency.
“I have consulted with my voters. Some party workers said that I might not get due respect if I go to the other side. But for me, welfare of the voters in the constituency is important,” he said.
Decision soon
Mr. Arukutty said a decision over switching sides would be taken in a couple of days, adding that he was yet to decide on meeting Mr. Palaniswami in Tirupur on Saturday.
He was one of the few MLAs who had openly declared support to OPS following the demise of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.
