Chennai: The leaders of various political parties in Tamil Nadu should make sure that they do not field candidates with criminal background for this Assembly election, Union minister of state for road transport, highways and shipping, Pon Radhakrishnan, said while appealing to parties not to fall prey to terror groups attempting to enter the electoral fray.
Contending that the BJP is firm on dissuading candidates with criminal background entering the fray this Assembly election, the minister said though the political leaders could take a call on forging electoral alliance as per their convenience, they should ensure none of their candidates fielded for the May poll have criminal antecedents.
“Reports indicate that several terror groups are attempting to contest the polls under the guise of joining political parties. Such elements should be prevented fr-om contesting the poll at any cost,” he said. In an effort aimed at avoiding possible embarrassment or rejection during scrutiny of nominations, the BJP has decided to filter out the party ticket aspirants for the Assembly elections with a criminal history. The minister interviewed 65 candidates during the two-day session which concluded on Monday.
The candidates’ list would be announced later this month. Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu Pillaimar Mahasabha led by its founder S. Arumugam Pillai pledged support to the BJP. The Kongunadu Makkal Munnetram Kazhagam under S.P. Manohar merged the faction with the BJP.
