Squabbles rock state Congress unit ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Tiruchy visit

State Youth Congress (YC) president (in charge) Vijay Ilanchezhian held a meeting under the trees lining the inner walls of Sathyamurthy Bhavan, discussing their preparations for the Tiruchy meet. Ilanchezhian and company chose to squat beneath the trees in protest of TNCC chief E.V.K.S. Elangovan allegedly denying an office space for YC.

“I have been asking him (Elangovan) from the day he assumed office. He has been giving different reasons to deny it to me. I even raised it at the party executive committee meet recently, but we never got the elusive office space in Bhavan,” Ilanchezhian said.

“Youth Congress is the major frontal organization of Congress. There was a space for YC in Bhavan. How long will they say they renovate it? Different reasons are given to deny us,” Ilanchezhian added.

Another Chidambaram supporter, who dismissed the renovation theory as an excuse, said, “He does not want a Chidambaram supporter to use the space or grow politically. That is the only reason.”

Meanwhile, sources close to Elangovan questioned the timing of the meeting and said, “Why did he not hold the same meeting a few months back? Vijay’s relative was suspended from the party for violating the party discipline and hence this sudden rebellion.” TNCC spokesperson A. Gopanna said, “The space meant for YC is under renovation. If they need space in Bhavan, they should ask the TNCC president directly…in a proper way. Space will be provided only if they participate in party activities. They have been boycotting Bhavan.”