As TNCC chief, Khushbu engage in a war of words, DMK gets dragged in

Dravidian major denies claim that the actor was attacked by its cadre

CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 19/01/2016: AICC spokesperson Khusboo at a public meeting held in Chennai. Photo: M. Vedhan

The infighting within the Congress left the DMK red-faced on Thursday following a report that Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Su. Thirunavukkarasar had alleged that actor Khushbu – now an AICC spokesperson – was in the past chased out of the DMK after being attacked with eggs and slippers.

Embarrassed by his remarks, DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan issued a statement denying the charge. “There is no truth in the allegation. So long as Khushbu was in the DMK, she was treated with honour and respect. The DMK cadre never indulged in any indecent behaviour,” Mr. Elangovan claimed.

Mr. Thirunavukkarasar and Ms. Khushbu share a bitter relationship with the latter recently claiming that the AICC high command would soon replace the former as the TNCC president.

“She is making such comments to be in the news. I strongly condemn her for expressing views that are totally contrary to truth. If she continues to make such comments, the high-command will take action against her,” he said while addressing the party’s Kancheepuram south district unit meeting.

‘Will she resign?’

Mr. Thirunavukkarasar said that everyone knew why Ms Khushbu was expelled from the DMK. “She made some comments when Mr. Stalin was the Deputy Chief Minister which created unnecessary confusion in the party. She was showered with eggs and slippers,” he said.

Mr. Thirunavukkarasar asked whether Ms. Khushbu was prepared to resign from the party if he was not removed from the post of TNCC president in two months as claimed by her.

Senior Congress leader and former MLA D. Yasoda said Ms. Khushbu should behave and choose her words carefully. “As far as the Congress is concerned, all the decisions are taken by the high command and not locally,” she said.

Ms. Yasoda rejected the claim of Mr. Elangovan that Ms. Khushbu was not attacked by the DMK men.

“DMK cadre might not have thrown slippers and eggs. But she was treated badly at the Tiruchi airport for saying that a decision on the leadership change in the DMK after party president M. Karunanidhi’s tenure would be taken by the party general council and executive committee. You cannot deny the fact,” she added.