CUDDALORE: Two groups of DMK members clashed in front of former minister M R K Paneer Selvam during an agitation held in Cuddalore on Wednesday against the petrol price hike.
The incident made evident the inner party conflict in the district. A chappal thrown during the demo caused the commotion and a striking force was deployed to prevent further commotion.
Before the DMK held itsagitation, the VCK was given permission by the police to hold a demo in front of the Cuddalore post office. VCK cadre concluded their agitation by 12 noon as per their assurance to the police. More than 1,000 members of the DMK were waiting about 50 metres away from the post office.
As soon as the VCK concluded their agitation against the petrol price hike, DMK members marched towards the spot. Former minister and DMK district secretary Paneer Selvam,party’s state youth wing secretary Ela Pugazenthi and former MLA Saba Rajendran also walked along with them.
When they came near the post office, a commotion suddenly started among the party members. Reportedly, the supporters of Paneer Selvam and the supporters of Saba Rajendran attacked each other.
A chappal was thrown towards a member of another group but the chappal fell near the VCK members, who were standing nearby. VCK’s leaders pacified their party members.
Saba Rajendran along with his supporters left the spot before the agitation began. They assembled on Nellikuppam Road and attempted to sit on the road. The police pacified them and after sometime Rajendran and his supporters dispersed.
Finally, the DMK held its agitation where Paneer Selvam and Pugazendhi spoke. They also raised slogans urging the Central government for a rollback.