Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], October 1 (ANI): Tamil Nadu School Education Minister Rajmohan Arumugam on Thursday dismissed the criticism by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi regarding a campaign event in Dharapuram, saying the remarks were made for "political reasons" and didn't have any basis.
Speaking to reporters here, he first recalled paying tribute on the birth anniversary of veteran actor Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan.
"Today, on the birth anniversary of Chevalier Sivaji Ganesan, we paid our respects on behalf of the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay," he said.
Addressing the controversy over the Dharapuram event, Arumugam said, "During yesterday's Dharapuram campaign, I asked Minister Arunraj to keep his speech brief as the Chief Minister had been standing for a long time. I also asked candidate Sathyabama to conclude her speech quickly because the Chief Minister had been standing for a considerable time. A large number of people were also standing outside the campaign tent under the hot sun."
This comes as TVK Dharapuram candidate Sathyabama became emotional on stage before Vijay.
He said the Chief Minister had travelled extensively and interacted with the public before taking the stage and was drenched in sweat.
"For political reasons, Kanimozhi Karunanidhi has made these remarks without any basis. The Chief Minister had travelled for nearly two hours, interacted with people, received their affection and made them happy before coming onto the stage. He arrived completely drenched in sweat, while people had also been waiting for a long time," Arumugam said.
Defending his role as anchor at political events, he said, "I have anchored several programmes, including events involving MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin and actors' associations. On many occasions, we have asked speakers to conclude their speeches due to time constraints. I was also the anchor for former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's centenary celebrations. If a walkie-talkie is available, instructions are conveyed through it; otherwise, we call and inform them."
He alleged that negative narratives were being spread for political gain against people who had waited in the heat to speak.
"Instead, for political reasons, negative narratives are being spread about people who stood on the roadside and spoke after waiting in the heat," he said.
On the question of joining the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance, he said any such decision would be taken jointly.
"If the Secular Social Justice Victory Alliance is to be joined, the decision will be taken jointly by the Chief Minister and the leaders of the alliance parties."
Responding to allegations of poaching leaders, he cited the example of Anitha Radhakrishnan's earlier political journey and denied any monetary inducement within TVK.
"Anitha Radhakrishnan, who is now with the DMK, had earlier won on a different symbol and later joined the DMK from the AIADMK. Similarly, nobody has been bought in TVK, and we have not paid anyone a price. People are coming to our leader Vijay because of his stature and leadership," he said.
On the Pattinapakkam issue, he said the government would act only after consulting the public.
"Regarding the Pattinapakkam issue, the government will not take any decision without continuously hearing the views of the people. The Chief Minister will take the final decision after considering their opinions," he said.
He concluded by expressing confidence about the party's prospects in the upcoming by-election.
"The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam is certain to achieve an unprecedented victory in the by-election."
The bypolls will be held in Dharapuram and Madurantakam assembly constituencies on October 6. (ANI)
Tamil Nadu Minister Rajmohan condemns Kanimozhi's remarks on Dharapuram campaign
