PC loyalists to abstain from TNCC meet today

Chennai: However earnest his appeal might have been, TNCC chief B.S. Gnanadesikan’s factional rivals have chosen to leave him red-faced on Saturday.

Most Chidambaram loyalists would abstain from the brainstorming Gnanadesikan had called for to assess the party’s worst ever poll drubbing. The followers of the Karaikudi royalty have already kept rumour mills spinning by admitting that they have asked their supporters to boycott the state officer bearers meeting on Saturday. While Karti Chidambaram is out of town, his father who is in Chennai now would prefer to stay away from Satyamurthy Bhavan, particularly after his loyalists circulated a petition to the media seeking Gnanadesikan’s resignation a week back, said a close confidant of the Chidambaram.

“There is a dagger hanging over his head. He will lose his post any time. There is a rat race for securing the TNCC chair. What will he discuss? It is time he thought about saving his job,” said another Chidambaram supporter adding that the meeting would only be a congregation of Vasan loyalists and the usual fireworks would be missing. When asked, a hesitant Karate Thiyagarajan said, “I have come to Malaysia to attend a family function. I am unaware of the decisions taken by our leaders (Chidambarams).”

Party sources said that both Vasan and Chidambaram are vying for TNCC chief’s post. Names of former ministers Sudarsana Natchiappan and Thirunavukkarasar are also in contention. Sources claim the high command may overlook the regional leaders and chose one of the other two so that AICC would have a grip of state affairs.