Tension prevailed at the headquarters of the Tamilnadu Congress Committee(TNCC) on Tuesday, as supporters of party president Su. Thirunavukkarasar and former president E.V.K.S. Elangovan had a scuffle while entering the hall where central observers — national secretaries Sanjay Dutt and G. Chinna Reddy — were holding consultations with senior leaders and office-bearers on organisational issues. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the plans to conduct district level and State-level agitations to expose the corruption of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance Government at the Centre. Former presidents, former Union Ministers, MLAs and leaders of various wings were invited to participate in the meeting which began at 12 noon
When the meeting was on, a group of supporters of Mr. Elangovan and others attempted to enter the Rajiv Gandhi Hall. Apparently, the leaders who were sitting on the dais advised those not invited to move out of the hall and asked them to wait at a different place.
The supporters of Mr. Thirunavukkarasar and Mr. Elangovan had heated arguments in front of the hall. It prompted Mr. Thirunavukkarasar to come out and intervene. But a scuffle ensued. AICC member Selvam developed a swelling on his head after an exchange of blows. Only after the leaders prevailed upon the warring sections did the meeting continue.
At a press briefing, Mr. Thirunavukkarasar, downplaying the tussle, said the senior leaders, MLAs and others were invited. “There is no problem here with anybody. Mr. Elangovan was also here. We had a nice time here.”
Mr. Sanjay told The Hindu, “The focus is now to implement Rahulji’s agenda to take organisation closer to the people. We are planning to reach every nook and corner. We have booth committees and organisational level agitations will be conducted even at booth level. Unfortunately, there is a situation in Tamil Nadu where Central and State governments are anti-people. All their policies are adversely affecting the people. We will take up issues that affect people and will conduct agitations”
Asked about the scuffle between two groups outside the hall, Mr. Sanjay said there was a “slight commotion”. He added that several crucial issues were discussed at the meeting.
Replying to reporters’ question on change of leadership in TNCC, Mr. Elangovan said, “I am not Rahul Gandhi to comment on the subject.”