E V K S Elangovan refuses to withdraw controversial remarks

NEW DELHI: TNCC President E V K S Elangovan today remained unfazed over reports that the Congress high command reprimanded him over his reported attack on P Chidambaram and his son and refused to withdraw any of his controversial remarks.

"Why should I take back my statement. I have not mentioned anybody in particular. I do not know why Chidambaram got provoked because of this," he told PTI here.

Elangovan denied he was summoned by the high command over these reports and said he has been called here for electioneering in Delhi polls in areas, where Tamils live in large numbers.

The TNCC Chief had said that the Tamil Nadu Congress would certainly attain salvation if one more person quits along with his heir, a few days ago in the wake of former Union Minister Jayanthi Natarajan quitting the party.

This was taken as snide attacks on Chidambaram and his son Karti. Chidambaram had yesterday met Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and is believed to have discussed the issue with him.

Elangovan said two days ago Congress President Sonia Gandhi had called him on the telephone and sought his explanation on the remarks.

He told her that he had not named anybody, while stressing that he was not against any individual in the party.

Asked about Karti's reply to his showcause notice, Elangovan said that he had forwarded it to the party high command.

"I am not a position to say anything. I have just forwarded his reply to the high command," he said.