One of the popular media faces of TN Congress, Vilavancode MLA Vijayadharani may have finally come close to changing her political loyalty. In this off the cuff interview with Deccan Chronicle she reveals her political aspirations and ties between her and TNCC chief Elangovan soured.
Q Only a few months back had you supported EVKS Elangovan when several Congress seniors in Tamil Nadu had raised war flag against him? What went wrong?
I do not know. Mahila Congress was non-existent before I took over. I appointed over 130 functionaries after assuming the office of state president. I made Mahila Congress more visible and active. I was growing popular too. He did not like it.
Q But, only you (in Mahila Congress) have come out against Elangovan.
I am the only woman MLA. There are not many popular woman leaders in TN Congress. There are a few leaders, who are his sidekicks. Most Congresswomen are unhappy with him. Only they have not come out boldly like me.
Q You are projecting EVKS as anti-women…
Indeed he is. Not just Mahila Congress. Elangovan has always been disrespecting women. He abused Chief Minister amma, BJP leader Tamizhisai Soundararajan. He did it to me at Satyamurthy Bhavan and at airport during Rahul Gandhi’s visit. TN Congress has been made to appear anti-women because of him. No woman will vote for Congress if he continues as TNCC chief.
Q Reports suggest that an internal inquiry by Mahila Congress president Shobha Osha found you guilty of instigating the two police complaints against Elangovan?
There was no inquiry, no report. He abused me and assaulted the two women who had lodged police complaint against him later. Will they say that the two women were not assaulted? Both sides withdrew the complaint. I acquiesced in high command’s decision and kept mum.
Q Now, AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi has approved your sacking.
It really puzzles me. I am a victim of torture and circumstance, but they have sacked me and let him off the hook.
Q Are you accusing Rahul of being biased or unjust?
I have sought Rahulji’s appointment. I will ask this to him. He should tell me why this injustice has been done to me. I have been a loyal Congress member for the last 28years.
Q Has your long innings in Congress come to end? Are you considering a move to another party?
I do not know. They should tell. I really doubt if I can continue in a party, which is unsafe for women. I wonder what is wrong in joining some other party, which will be safe and considerate to women.
Q Which other party, according to you, will be that safe and pro-women party?
AIADMK. A strong woman leader leads it. Whether it is the government or party, madam Jayalalithaa acts promptly whenever women bring a complaint to her notice.
Q It is widely rumoured that you may join AIADMK? You even met chief minister at the secretariat Saturday morning?
I made a representation to Amma regarding some pending projects, including her pet projects, not only in my Vilavancode constituency, but elsewhere in Tamil Nadu as well. I sought Amma’s appointment to apprise her about my constituency problems and another personal issue.
Q A newfound reverence to chief minister Jayalalithaa is visible in your recent statements. Would you care to explain?
Amma has always been my inspiration since childhood. I take motivation from her when I speak in the Assembly. The way I raise a point loudly, I owe it to her, because she used to do it with ease. I always admire her. I am waiting for amma’s appointment.
Q Did other parties approach you after the tiff with Congress leadership?
People from several parties spoke to me over phone. Even leaders of PDF and BJP spoke and expressed solidarity with me. My future course of action will be based on the meeting with Rahul.
