A day after conviction, DMK leader T M Selvaganapathy resigns from Rajya Sabha

DHARMAPURI: Facing imminent disqualification after a CBI court sentenced him to two years imprisonment in the cremation shed scam, DMK leader and former Tamil Nadu Minister T M Selvaganapathy today resigned from the Rajya Sabha.

A day after the court verdict, Selvaganapathy, a minister in AIADMK Government headed by J Jayalalithaa during 1991-96, however, said he would challenge the conviction in the Madras High Court.

Releasing a copy of his resignation letter addressed to the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, he told reporters that the case was "fabricated" and "foisted" on him out of political vendetta by a Congress Union Minister from the state.

In his letter dated today, the DMK leader referred to the court judgement and said "I am herewith submitting my resignation as Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. I am confident the truth will prevail in future and vindicate my stand on appeal to the High Court. Hence, I most respectfully request you to accept my resignation immediately."

Selvaganapathy and four others were sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment by Special CBI Judge S Malathi in Chennai in connection with construction of cremation sheds in Nagapattinam District during the 1991-96 AIADMK regime.

Claiming that there was no evidence to prove he received bribe and misused his power, Selvaganapathy said as he always respected the Court and Justice he submitted his resignation. He would move the high court challenging the conviction.

He maintained that he never adopted any delay tactics to prolong the case, and pointed out that he had been acquitted in several other corruption cases filed against him.

He is the incharge of DMK's electioneering in Dharmpuri Lok Sabha constituency.

Selvaganapathy's resignation came as he is all set to lose his membership of Parliament in view of Supreme Court's order last year striking down a provision that protects a convicted lawmaker from disqualification on the ground of pendency of appeal in higher courts.

In October last year, Congress leader Rashid Masood became the first MP to lose his Rajya Sabha seat in the backdrop of the apex court order.