Vaiko’s decision to field MDMK candidate Joel against anti-Koodankulam plant crusader and Aam Admi Party nominee M Pushparayan from Thoothukudi came under e-barrage after netizens across social media platforms demanded that he withdraw his contestant.
According to Facebook user Santiagu Wilson, “The irony is that even while the MDMK election manifesto is against the nuclear energy, it has fielded a candidate against Pushparayan. MDMK leadership should reconsider fielding Joel against Pushparayan.”
Though a section urged S P Udayakumar and Pushparayan not to contest against MDMK candidate, another Facebook user commented, “Pushparayan was at the forefront of PMANE struggles, while Joel, as MDMK district secretary, failed to organise any protest.”
Not to be left behind, former PMANE coordinator and AAP candidate from Kanyakumari, S P Udayakumar, said, “Murasu (DMDK symbol), Mambalam (PMK symbol) and Pamparam (MDMK symbol) have flown into water to be identified with Lotus (BJP symbol). Beware: Even god sides with the one who helps himself or herself.”
The post drew diverse sentiments with over 200 liking it and over 60 people commenting. Some of the comments urged Udayakumar not to support Vaiko, while a few advised him not to post negative comments against MDMK leader.
Meanwhile, MDMK Thoothukudi candidate Joel told Express, “Vaiko was the first person to raise voice against nuclear energy in the parliament and he participated in all the important struggles against nuclear energy, including the protest at Idinthakarai. Besides, Vaiko has addressed the issues of fishermen community throughout his political life. We have made our stand clear against any sort of sand mining in our election manifesto. So it is up to the people to decide whom to support.”