PUDUCHERRY: Tussle between the Congress and CPI in Kamaraj Nagar constituency is hotting up. Formed after the delimitation process, the constituency is eyed by both Chief Minister V Vaithilingam and CPI MLA and former minister R Viswanathan for contesting in the next assembly elections due in a couple of months.
The latest flare-up occurred after a banner welcoming Vaithilingam at Rajiv Gandhi Nagar in Kamaraj Nagar constituency was found torn on Monday. Some Youth Congress workers resorted to a demonstration alleging the handiwork of CPI workers in the incident. Later, CPI youth wing leader Mayilvel of Rainbow Nagar was arrested. CPI MLA R Viswanathan vehemently objected to this and claimed that the police have booked a false criminal case succumbing to the pressure of the ruling party.
Viswanathan’s contention is that the banner was causing inconvenience to the public, who dismantled it and kept it near one of the houses. It was torn by some miscreants and not CPI cadre or sympathisers. He charged the Congress with enacting a demonstration based on their assumptions and not facts. The CPI leader added that it was done with the malafide intention of gaining political advantage.
Viswanathan contended that when a banner by CPI-backed House Maids Association was found torn, he advised the police to ignore it and did not precipitate a row. He claimed the CPI style of politics was straight and would fight politically. He urged the Director General of Police to look into the matter.