PUDUCHERRY: The war of words between cadres of the AIADMK and the BJP on social media, which has been continuing ever since the Dravidian major broke its ties with the saffron party, reached a new high late on Saturday. A poster by an erstwhile BJP functionary in Lawspet triggered another poster from an AIADMK person all over Puducherry, taking the cadre clash on social media to a new level.
On Saturday morning, residents of Lawspet woke up to a poster in their area put up by a former BJP functionary. The poster, which had images of former CMs of Tamil Nadu MGR and J Jayalalithaa, mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent praise at Palladam for the AIADMK founder. The poster, which also had images of Chief Minister N Rangasamy and BJP leaders, sought support for the saffron party in the general election.
In quick retaliation, a state-level AIADMK functionary put up posters across Puducherry featuring Modi and Rangasamy and prime minister’s recent praise. It stated that BJP cadre had become ready to vote for AIADMK led by its general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami in all 40 constituencies across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
After this tit-for-tat move, the cadre stepped up the clash on social media, as another ‘poster’ with a photoshopped image of probable BJP candidate A Namassivayam wearing an MGR-style cap went viral. Though the post was quickly taken down, the verbal duel between cadres of the two parties reached a peak.
Reacting to the episode, AIADMK’s Puducherry state secretary A Anbazhagan criticised the use of their party leaders’ photographs in BJP posters. Talking to reporters on Sunday, he said, “Despite BJP’s confirmation of contesting in Puducherry, no candidate has expressed willingness to fight it out. This had led to confusion in candidate selection. In this situation, Modi praised our leaders, speaking the truth. Although not in our alliance, they used our leaders’ photographs in the posters and sought votes for BJP, citing Modi’s quotes. This is unacceptable. BJP must stop such cheap tactics.”
Anbazhagan also criticised BJP’s actions, highlighting ‘past betrayals’ despite coming to power with AIADMK’s support. He said the BJP’s alliance with NR Congress is politically incompatible and the saffron party has been seizing seats during Rangasamy’s hospitalisation. Anbazhagan also said Rangasamy’s demand for statehood for Puducherry is in contrast with the BJP’s view.
UT seat allocated to BJP, says Rangasamy
Puducherry: Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy has confirmed that the BJP would be contesting the lone Lok Sabha seat from Puducherry as part of the alliance led by the NR Congress. Talking to reporters on Sunday, Rangasamy said, “Puducherry constituency has been allotted to BJP, and the party’s headquarters will announce the candidate soon.” He also revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take part in a campaign in Puducherry.