Ready to face any threats, says EVKS Elangovan

“But, I am prepared to face their threats. Attempts to attack Sathyamurthy Bhavan and my house, instead of responding to my criticism, bears testimony to Jayalalithaa’s oppressive ways,” Elangovan said, reacting to the ruling party cadres’ attempt to picket Sathyamurthy Bhavan and his house earlier in the day.

The TNCC chief was specifically referring to the alleged intimidating slogans raised by AIADMK cadres led by its trade union wing leader Arjunan outside Satyamurthy Bhavan. Elan-govan quoted Arjunan as saying; “We will not just burn the effigies, but also Elangovan (for making derogatory statements about Jayalalithaa).”

“Congress, which beli-eves in democracy, will not be cowed down by AIADMK’s intimidation,” the sharp-tongued TNC chief said, wondering what action would be initiated against Arjunan. Justifying his controversial remark, Elan-govan said that his comment was not against individuals and he had only referred to a “secret (political) understanding” between the AIADMK and BJP. The Congress national leadership backed Elangovan by having its national communication in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala tweet; “It’s extremely distressing, unfortunate & undemocratic that violent attacks have been unleashed on our party workers in Tamil Ndu over the last two days.” Meanwhile, DMK, MDMK and the Left parties rushed to Elangovan’s support and condemned the attack on the Congress party. DMK president M. Karunanidhi accused the AIADMK of taking law into its own hands instead of seeking legal remedy or responding to Elangovan’s criticism, if they had taken offence to the Congress leaders statement. Meanwhile, state BJP leader Tamizhisai Soundararajan announced protests against Elangovan for the below the belt remark. MDMK founder Vaiko met Elangovan to express his solidarity.