Suspended Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam functionary M.K. Alagiri has said that there was no move to float a new party.
Speaking to The Hindu over phone, he said, he had gone to see an ailing DMK functionary ‘Pammal’ Nallathambi, a long time senior in the DMK party and a former MLA. “I came into enquire about his health. I have no plans to start a new party and if at all there was any such move, it would be made only after consulting my supporters,” he added.
Asked to comment on the announcement of DMK candidates for Lok Sabha constituencies, he said, “As told earlier, the party had given it to those who are crorepatis. Those who have real contacts with the cadre and those who have taken up public issues in the respective constituencies have been ignored. “I have my own doubts, whether the party president is aware of the decisions, he charged, but quickly said, “I am suspended from the party…”
He further said, “As long as my grievances are not redressed, I don’t have any intentions to go back to the party.”
Rumours were agog that Mr. Alagiri’s supporters may campaign against the DMK candidates in the southern districts. When asked about this, Mr. Alagiri said, “I don’t think such a need will arise at all. The choice of candidates itself reflected whether the party will win hands down or not,” he summed up.
Meanwhile, supporters of M. K. Stalin celebrated the announcement of advocate V. Velusamy as the DMK candidate for Madurai Lok Sabha constituency by bursting crackers. “We have a good chance of winning the seat as the candidate was familiar among the Madurai voters,” former Mayor Kulandaivelu said.
