Tirupur: Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Premalatha came out in defence of DMK MP Kanimozhi, who was stopped by police in a bid to prevent her from reaching Pollachi on Sunday to lead a protest against AIADMK.
Demanding strict action against the accused in Pollachi sexual assault case, Premalatha told reporters here that democratic protests should not be stifled, in response to a query on Kanimozhi being stopped by police.
“Each and everyone has the right to protest. No one has the right to stop anyone from protesting or to prevent people from visiting a place,” Premalatha said after chairing an event where members of other parties joined DMDK.
“All the culprits involved in Pollachi sexual assault case should be punished irrespective of who they are,” she said.
Premalatha was non-committal on the question of chief ministerial candidate of AIADMK alliance that DMDK was part of. “AIADMK has announced Edappadi K Palaniswami as the chief ministerial candidate. Meanwhile, BJP said they would announce the NDA’s chief ministerial candidate for TN. So, we are waiting,’’ she said.
She, however, reiterated that DMDK continues to be in the AIADMK alliance. “After convening the general council and executive council meetings soon, a concrete decision will be announced by the Captain (Vijayakanth) based on the likes and preference of cadres,” she said.
Premalatha said that Vijayakanth would campaign for the party in the assembly election. “Captain will come in the climax,” she said.
Her son Vijaya Prabhakaran said that DMDK would achieve its goal whether the party is in the alliance or not. “DMDK flag will be hoisted at Fort St George,” he said.