Jothimani agreed not to contest

After striking a belligerent note, Rahul Gandhi’s handpicked functionary S. Jothimani, on Sunday agreed not to enter the fray as an Independent candidate in Aravakurichi Assembly constituency here where the party’s senior ally, the DMK, has fielded a candidate.

Ms. Jothimani, who had launched her campaign in Aravakurichi nine months ago hoping to a bag a party ticket to contest from the constituency, was upset that the Congress did not get the seat as part of the DMK-led alliance.

Initially adamant

She was initially adamant on remaining in the fray, even as an Independent.

However, on Sunday after a meeting with her supporters, she said she has decided not to contest in the Aravakurichi constituency in the overall interest of the Congress party.

She accused the TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan of failing to prevail upon the DMK to allot the seat to the Congress.

She claimed that the DMK was not keen on fielding a candidate from the seat and it was only Mr. Elangovan who did not evince any interest in getting the seat for the party.

Ms. Jothimani added that she was not keen on contesting from the neighbouring Karur constituency, even if the seat was allotted to her.

She was initially adamant on remaining in the fray, even as an Independent