DMK pits Vanniyar MP to take on PMK
CHENNAI: The DMK might have found a new voice to negate pointed criticism from the PMK. Debutant MP Senthilkumar has started emerging, at least online, as the alter ego of DMK Vanniyar leaders who have been mellowed down in their response to PMK founder Dr Ramadoss jibes targeting the party.
Be it the countering ‘Murasoli’ land issue or poll promise, Senthil has been getting on the nerves of PMK leadership with ease. Unsurprisingly, his repartee, which did not fail to impress the party followers online, has prompted observers to wonder if he was being groomed by the DMK leadership to fill the vacuum in Vanniyar stronghold Dharmapuri where he had defeated Anbumani Ramadoss only a few months ago.
Whether he has the sanction of the leadership might be a wee bit premature to answer, but there is no denying that the DMK leadership was not keen on putting a leash on the young MP who has been generously contributing to PMK’s bad press.
When asked, an outspoken Senthil told DT Next, “I have only responded (to Ramadoss and Seeman) the way I had done as a common man. My responses are drawing attention now because I am a MP. I am countering them with hard facts.”
Suggesting that people like Seeman do not deserve response from his leadership, Senthil justified, “It is worrisome that youth and gullible people are being misguided by them (Seeman and Ramadoss). Hence, I expose them.” Denying speculation that he has been assigned by the party to fire barbs at Ramadoss, the doctor turned politician said, “I have not even taken the party’s permission. I am defending the party well. Nobody from the party has disturbed me so far. I received feelers that the party high command feels I am on the right path.” However, inquiries made with party seniors revealed that some of his acts, like visiting Veerappan memorial and rendezvous with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal did not impress the DMK high command. A DMK senior requesting anonymity admitted that the young MPs enthusiasm and energy was welcome, but he should not go overboard. “Leadership will not mind as long as he does not embarrass the party,” the leader remarked. Curiously, the outspoken MP said; “Muthulakshmi (Veerappan’s wife) had campaigned for me in Nathamedu (repoll) despite her hectic schedule. I thought my visit to the memorial would cheer the poor family. Nothing more.”