Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief E.V.K.S. Elangovan on Saturday dropped action against six loyalists of former Union Minister P. Chidambaram after the latter sought the intervention of the AICC over the issue.
In what could be seen as a victory for Mr. Chidambaram’s camp, Mr. Elangovan said, “Disciplinary action against six functionaries including Covai Selvan is dropped as they have given appropriate explanation to the AICC.”
Last month, six Coimbatore based loyalists of Mr. Chidambaram — Mr. Selvan, Srinivasan, Kattoor Somu, V. Thirumurthi, A.M. Rafeeq and J. Hariharan — were expelled after they allegedly blocked the car of Mr. Elangovan shouting slogans against him.
The media reported the expulsion and Mr. Chidambaram had said, “A member cannot be expelled without seeking explanation, and holding an enquiry and sans taking the approval of the disciplinary panel.”
Stepping in for his supporters, he had said the “expulsion of six party men was shocking” and urged the AICC to intervene and take appropriate steps.
Playing down the issue, Mr. Elangovan on Saturday said in a statement, “They were suspended as it was felt that they had denigrated the fair image of Congress party.”
He termed the action as “temporary suspension” by the Coimbatore party unit.
Party sources said the high command “advised restraint and cohesion” after Mr. Chidambaram sought intervention.
