Two Ministers to fight from Madurai

P. Moorthy.
| Photo Credit:
R. ASHOK

Two Ministers P Moorthy, 68, and Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, 60, are contesting from Madurai East and Madurai Central Assembly constituency respectively.

The DMK in the Temple City, which has been witnessing a few embarrassments due to the property tax scam allegation levelled against the former Mayor Indrani’s husband Pon Vasanth and her resignation et al., had given an upper hand to the Opposition.

What was a little more irritant to the ruling party men was the ‘sudden’ U turn of the CPI (M) functionaries led by their MP Su Venkatesan’s remarks on the poor show by the civic body.

The Union government’s ranking of Madurai city at the bottom, no doubt, irked the tax-paying citizens. But, when the key ally (CPI M) raised it, the DMK councillors openly fought in the council meetings.

However, the party is banking on the goodwill of Mr. Rajan, whose image is likely to give a fillip to the rank and file in the coming days. Known for his frank remarks, the party president M.K. Stalin, at a function in Madurai heaped praises on Mr. Rajan.

Likewise, senior party leader Mr. Moorthy, known for his organisational capabilities, is again trying his luck for the third time from Madurai East.

After having worked tirelessly in giving basic amenities to the people in his constituency, not only the DMK cadre are sure of Mr. Moorthy’s victory, but even many in the opposition camp too are apprehensive of fielding a candidate against him.

The DMK high command has entrusted three key Assembly Constituencies – Madurai West, Melur and Sholavandan with Mr. Moorthy. He has worked hard in all these segments in the last six months and the party is all set to begin campaign on a positive note.

However, the AIADMK and other parties, including the NTK and TVK, are determined to push their rival DMK behind with Thiruparankundram issue and the lawlessness rule and among others.

This time we will emerge victorious and also form the government, said Sellur K. Raju, constesting from Madurai West and AIADMK’s city secretary.