The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) candidate for Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency, T.R. Baalu, said he opposed the proposed methane extraction project in the Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur and Tiruvarur.
He told presspersons on Wednesday that he was aware of environment problems the project would bring to the region. “I oppose the project. We have also said in the DMK poll manifesto that the proposed project should be reconsidered by both State and Central governments,” Mr. Baalu said.
Asked about the burning of his effigy by some DMK cadre on Monday, Mr. Baalu said that they might not be DMK men but may be AIADMK men in the guise of DMK cadre. He said that he has prepared a booklet listing the development works he planned to take up in Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency, which will be distributed among the voters. Earlier, Mr. Baalu visited Kalaignar Arivalayam, district headquarters of the party here and presented a shawl to S.S. Palanimanickam, DMK’s Thanjavur district secretary and one of the aspirants for the seat. Mr. Palani Manickam reciprocated with a similar gesture.
Later addressing party workers, Mr. Baalu said that he and Mr. Palanimanickam were groomed in politics by the late Murasoli Maran. “There may be differences of opinion on certain issues between me and Mr. Palanimanickam, But we both worked together as followers of Murasoli Maran for the party. Mr. Palanimanickam has sacrificed his seat for me and he will lead the campaign for me. If I win, it should be taken as victory of a follower of Murasoli Maran. We are together,” Mr. Baalu said turning towards presspersons. Mr. Baalu later left the meeting to meet Ko.Si. Mani, a senior party leader at Aduthurai.
The meeting continued to discuss preparations for giving reception to M.K. Stalin, party treasurer who will tour Thanjavur on March 20 for election campaign.
S.N.M. Ubayuathullah, former minister, former MLAs Enadhi Balasubramaniam, S. Ramalingam, Durai. Chandrasekaran, and former Municipal Chairman C. Iraivan attended the meeting.
