Tambaram DMK MLA S.R. Raja’s supporters protest denial of poll ticket

Incumbent Tambaram DMK MLA S.R. Raja, who has been denied a party ticket this time, thronged the residence of the party treasurer, T.R. Baalu, along with his supporters on Saturday night, and demanded that the high command change the candidate for the constituency. They also visited Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters, on Sunday, and raised slogans against former Minister T.M. Anbarasan. Mr. Raja has represented the constituency three times.

The party has fielded Krithika Devi in the constituency this time. 

Mr. Baalu, after listening to their complaints, turned angry at one point and told Selvakumar, one of Raja’s supporters, “Don’t create a scene by crying. Do you think I will believe you if you create a scene? I know who is loyal and who is merely creating a scene. I have known him (Mr. Raja) since he was a young man.”

Mr. Baalu said he had been visiting Anna Arivalayam at 10 a.m. every day and returning home at midnight. “I raised the issue and received an appropriate response. He (the Chief Minister) is more interested in Mr. Raja’s welfare than I am. He is close to his family. I need not say anything because they know each other well. If he has not been announced as a candidate, there must be a reason, and I cannot reveal it in front of everyone,” he said.

Mr. Baalu said he would again bring it to the notice of the Chief Minister, who might have taken the decision due to some extraordinary situation. “The media coverage itself will bring it to his notice,” he said.

Mr. Raja’s supporters said they had not seen the new candidate in party meetings.