Chennai: Mylapore MLA and former DGP R. Nataraj on Friday extended his support to O. Panneerselvam. The top cop handpicked by former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa to contest in the high profile Mylapore said he took the decision for two reasons.
“Initially I tried to bring the AIADMK factions together but it failed. And now I am extending my support to Panneerselvam as it was the collective decision of my constituency voters”, he told Deccan Chronicle.
“I chose to maintain a neutral stand for some time, but now there is a situation that I have to vote in Assembly on Saturday. The role of an MLA is not only confined to constituency work but also to exercise his discretion wisely in the Assembly. And now at this crucial juncture it is my duty to take a decision. My decision is based on the conscience and I will vote reflecting the will of the people. AIADMK party cadres also wanted me to vote against the
government”, he said.
“Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa gave me the party ticket to contest and it was the public who elected me as the MLA. My loyalty will always be only with late Jayalalithaa. I will stand by honesty and truth and my vote will go in favour of Panneerselvam. And this decision was solely taken after consulting voters of Mylapore,” Nataraj added.
