Chennai, March 19: Expressing concern over reports of disgruntlement among some sections of his party members, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president M. Karunanidhi on Friday termed the trend unacceptable.
Referring to the reported instance of some supporters of the sitting Cuddalore Member of Legislative Assembly [G. Iyyappan] protesting against the nomination of Ela. Pugazhenthi for the constituency, Mr. Karunanidhi, in a statement, explained the reason for giving the ticket to Mr. Pugazhenthi. He recalled that Mr. Pugazhenthi had held different positions in the party and represented Cuddalore in the previous House. When he [Mr. Karunanidhi] chose to allot the seat to a different candidate, Mr. Pugazhenthi graciously accepted his decision and had been serving the party well.
He pointed out that even though senior functionaries including Arcot N. Veeraswami and V.S. Babu were not being fielded this time, they had accepted the decision. He recalled his long-standing ties with Ko. Si. Mani, another senior leader who was also not nominated this time.
He called upon the party members to begin the election work with focussed attention and not to get distracted by developments in the rival camp. In the evening, Mr. Karunanidhi chaired a meeting of leaders of constituents of the DMK-led front at the Anna Arivalayam. He impressed upon the need for coordinated action on the part of all parties of the front and sought their cooperation.
In the morning, DMK treasurer and Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called on the PMK founder S. Ramadoss for enlisting the PMK’s support. On Thursday, a group of DMK leaders met him.
–Agencies