The former Director-General of Police, R. Nataraj, who joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam here on Tuesday, said the party would provide him a bigger platform to serve the people.
The 1975-batch IPS officer who retired from service had also served as Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC) and brought about many reforms there.
He served the Central and State police forces for 37 years and also had a stint as India’s First Secretary in Nepal.
“I received the primary membership card from the party leader today ... my entry is formalised. I see this as an opportunity to reach out to the people. Ms. Jayalalithaa is good at conceptualising and implementing welfare schemes,” he said.
While serving as the Chennai Police Commissioner Mr. Nataraj had reportedly praised Ms. Jayalalithaa on the occasion of the International Women’s Day in 2006 when the Model Code of Conduct for the Assembly election was in vogue. Based on a complaint lodged by the then Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests, A. Raja, the Election Commission shifted him out of the post.
Asked if he would campaign for the AIADMK candidates in the Lok Sabha election, Mr. Nataraj said he would abide by the instructions of the party leadership. “I have been creating awareness among the people in my own way. I am active in the social media … I will contribute in my own way,” he added.