Namakkal witnessed internal friction in the AIADMK after the party announced state trade wing secretary Sridevi Mohan as its candidate for the Namakkal constituency.
Former MLA Bhaskar, who had expected the ticket, said the opportunity was denied due to the intervention of district secretary and former minister P. Thangamani. Bhaskar, along with his supporters, went to Thangamani’s residence at Govindampalayam near Pallipalayam and staged a siege.
Speaking to reporters, Bhaskar alleged that Thangamani was functioning in an authoritarian manner and demanded that the Namakkal district unit be split into two. He also made sharp remarks comparing his own influence with that of the former minister.
The report said some party functionaries, including four union secretaries, have also raised objections to Sridevi Mohan’s candidature. Amid the escalation, there were indications that disciplinary action, including removal from party post, could be taken against Bhaskar.
Responding to the protest, Thangamani said Bhaskar blocked the road and issued threats when he was not at home, and accused him of behaving like a rowdy. He added that he was not someone who would be intimidated by such actions.
