AIADMK’s Sengottaiyan takes a dig at Panneerselvam; says anyone can contest in elections
Anyone can contest in the elections as they have democratic rights, said former Minister and AIADMK MLA K.A. Sengottaiyan in Erode on Wednesday when asked about former Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam filing his nomination to contest as an independent in the Lok Sabha elections.
Mr. Sengottaiyan told media persons that every one had a democratic right to contest in elections, including as an independent candidate.
The AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol was only for the AIADMK led by former Chief Minister and party general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami. There was no second opinion on this, he said.
The party had begun its campaign for its candidate Ashok Kumar on March 25 and would begin an intense campaign on March 28. “Our victory margin would be greater,” he said.
Candidate booked
Chithode police on Wednesday booked three persons, including AIADMK candidate Ashok Kumar, over a case related to the stocking of 24,150 saris allegedly for distribution to voters.
After a complaint was filed through the cVIGIL mobile app on Tuesday saying that saris were stocked in a godown at Kalingarayanpalayam in Bhavani, a flying squad sent to the place found 161 bundles of saris, each bundle containing 150 saris. When questioned, Ravichandran, who owned the building, told the team that Yuvaraj from Erode had ordered the saris 20 days ago for distribution to voters in Erode.
The saris were confiscated, and the squad filed a complaint with the police. Based on this, a case under Section 171E (bribery) of IPC was registered against Mr. Ashok Kumar, Ravichandran, and Yuvaraj.
Mr. Ashok Kumar clarified that his Aatral Foundation has been distributing free dhotis and saris to frontline workers for Tamil New Year to honour them. “This year also we procured dress materials, but since the model code of conduct is in force, we have stocked them,” he said and stated that they have valid documents available to support their actions.