Azhagiri says he may decide on contesting bypoll

CHENNAI:Tamil Nadu’s opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M K Stalin’s estranged brother, M K Azhagiri, on Sunday said he is ready to contest the Tiruvarur assembly by-poll, if his supporters ask him to.

Deaths of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) lawmaker A K Bose have necessitated Tiruvarur and Thirupparankundran state assembly by-polls.

Azhagiri held a public meeting at Tiruvarur, Karunanidhi’s hometown.

“Since Tiruvarur is our hometown, I received an overwhelming response from my people here. While I came by car, people stood on both sides of the road and welcomed me. It is obvious if I contest Tiruvarur by-polls, I can win by a huge margin. Since people, who are running the party, are not listening to me, I am ready to go to the people to get justice,” Azhagiri said.

Azhagiri said he has had discussions with his supporters and loyalists. “Many have asked me to contest the Tiruvarur by-poll. If more people ask me to do so, I will decide about contesting the by-election,” Azhagiri told HT.

He criticised chief minister Palaniswamy’s government. “This is really a tough time for Tamil Nadu as both government and politics are not fair now.”

Azhagiri rubbished allegations that he was working at BJP’s behest. “I am Karunanidhi’s son. Dravidar Kazhagam founder Periyar E V Ramasamy named me Azhagiri... So, the BJP is not behind me. And I am not in a position to hear outsiders.”

Political analyst Tharasu Shyaam said as Stalin has shut the doors on Azhagiri, he has no option other than contesting the by-polls. “When TTV Dhinakaran rebelled against AIADMK leadership last year, he contested the by-poll from Jayalalithaa’s R K constituency and won. Therefore he is actively running a splinter group of AIADMK called Amma Makkal Munnetra.”