AIADMK stages protests against TNCC chief E V K S Elangovan

CHENNAI: AIADMK workers today staged protests here and in several other parts of the State against Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief E V K S Elangovan for criticising the recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their party supremo and Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.

After Modi called on Jayalalithaa here on August 7, Elangovan had slammed both AIADMK and BJP and in reference to the meeting he had used some words which were allegedly derogatory.

Condemning him, ruling party workers staged protests and burnt his effigies in locations including T Nagar, Anna Salai and Manapakkam where Elangovan's residence was located.

AIADMK workers, who tried to march towards Elangovan's residence and Congress headquarters Sathyamurthy Bhavan, were blocked by police.

Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan said her party would stage protests across the state tomorrow against Elangovan for his "uncivilised criticism."

While ally of the ruling party, AISMK chief Sarathkumar condemned Elangovan for his remarks, opposition parties have expressed support for the TNCC chief.

"AIADMK regime can as usual file defamatory cases or could express their views democratically. However, burning his effigies or violence is unacceptable," Karunanidhi said here in a statement condemning the protests by the ruling party.

MDMK chief Vaiko too condemned the protests.

Effigies of Elangovan were burnt in Salem and Coimbatore and other parts.

AIADMK workers, led by MLAs, staged demonstrations at various places in Coimbatore.

Elangovan had made the controversial remarks here on August 14 while participating in a protest organised by his party seeking liquor ban in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Congress workers staged a protest inside the party headquarters here against AIADMK. Congress men tried to burn an effigy of Jayalalithaa. However, it was thwarted by police.

Following the protests and counter protests, a strong posse of police has been deployed in Congress and AIADMK offices.

Protests by AIADMK workers were held yesterday as well in some parts of the State.