Former AIADMK minister M.R. Vijayabaskar has rejected claims that he was pressured into joining Thawekavil, saying his decision was made voluntarily.
His remarks come after the DMK sent a complaint letter to the Governor’s office and the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption department, alleging that Thawekavil was involved in “horse-trading”. The complaint cited comments by MDMK leader Vaiko, who said the Chief Minister had asked MDMK MLAs to resign, and also referred to Vijayabaskar’s earlier statement that Thawekavil functionaries had approached him.
Responding to the DMK’s complaint, Vijayabaskar said his words were misunderstood. He said he had spoken to the media when he joined Thawekavil at a meeting in Mahabalipuram, and that no one from Thawekavil had called or pressured him.
He said many MLAs, former ministers, former MLAs and district-level functionaries joined Thawekavil in groups due to dissatisfaction with the AIADMK leadership. In Karur, he said, local party functionaries also advised moving to Thawekavil.
Vijayabaskar added that he held 11 rounds of consultations with Karur constituency functionaries, and most supported the move. He said he merely echoed views expressed by others who joined, and reiterated that the decision was taken independently by him and his team.
