The Hindu : Front Page : Azhagiri opts out of campaign tour on health grounds

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Monday, Dec 22, 2008
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Azhagiri opts out of campaign tour on health grounds

L. Srikrishna

— Photo: S. James

Poll mood: A. Latha Athiyaman, DMK candidate for the Thirumangalam constituency, being introduced by Local Administration Minister M.K. Stalin and his elder brother M.K. Azhagiri at a party meeting near Madurai on Sunday. N.S.V. Chithan, Dindigul MP, is in the picture.

MADURAI: Citing health reasons, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam election campaign committee chairman, M. K. Azhagiri, said here on Sunday that he would not be in a position to tour extensively the Thirumangalam Assembly constituency. However, he offered to guide the campaign managers from his home for the victory of the candidate.

Speaking at a DMK workers’ meeting held at Thirumangalam in the presence of deputy general secretary M.K. Stalin, Mr. Azhagiri said the party now faced a by-poll for the third time in Madurai district since 2006. In the earlier by-polls (Madurai Central and Madurai West), the ruling alliance had won. Similarly, in the January 9 by-election, the party should repeat its performance.

Mr. Azhagiri said that soon after he was entrusted with the responsibility of heading the party’s election campaign committee, he had written to the party president and the secretary about his inability on health grounds.

The party high command may appoint I. Periasamy, Minister and Dindigul district secretary, to head the election campaign committee, he noted.

Mr. Stalin said the fear of defeat had gripped the AIADMK. Hence that party wanted Mr. Azhagiri to stay away. However, party cadres should work for the victory of the candidate and take the guidance of Mr. Azhagiri as he had steered the party to victory in the previous two by-elections in the district.

Congress MP N.S.V. Chithan said they would strive hard for the victory of the DMK candidate. DMK urban district secretary and Sholavandan MLA P. Moorthy said Latha Athiyaman would file the nomination on Monday, the last day for filing nominations.

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