Seat selection lacks transparency; interests of party compromised: Cong MP Jothimani
Chennai (PTI): Congress MP from Karur constituency, S Jothimani, has alleged a total lack of transparency in the party's constituency selection process as part of DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu for the April 23 Assembly election, claiming the interests of the party have been "completely compromised".
"There's no transparency in the party's constituency selection. Our view that seats should be chosen after detailed discussion and with transparency was rejected by those in charge," Jothimani said in a strongly-worded social media post on March 27.
Congress was allotted 28 seats in the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.
The MP’s outburst comes at a time when major political players in the state, including the DMK and AIADMK, are finalising their strategies for the upcoming electoral battle, with newcomers like Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) also drawing significant attention.
Jothimani accused the state leadership of conducting the seat-sharing and selection process in a "highly secretive manner", ignoring calls for detailed discussions and an open approach.
She expressed deep anguish over the treatment of grassroots workers. "It is painful to see the years of hard work by loyal Congress volunteers being sold off by those who haven't contributed even a speck to the party's growth in Tamil Nadu," she stated.
Issuing a stern warning regarding the impending candidate selection, Jothimani remarked that if this "mercenary or sales-based approach" continues, "no one can save the Congress party in Tamil Nadu."
The MP indicated she would not remain a silent spectator to these developments and promised a more detailed statement once the official list of constituencies and candidates is made public.
Elections to the Tamil Nadu Assembly, which has 234 seats, are to be held on April 23.
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Opposition stages walkout in RS over BJP MP's remarks on misuse of OBC reservation
New Delhi (PTI): The Rajya Sabha on Monday witnessed a walkout by several opposition parties over BJP member K Laxman's remarks that OBC reservation is being misused in the name of religion.
Leader of the House and Union Minister J P Nadda criticised the walkout, saying the Congress leadership and the opposition's INDIA alliance are neither interested in debates nor have any respect for democratic values or the Constitution.
During Zero Hour, Laxman raised the issue of OBC reservation, and said their quota is being misused in the name of religion.
He said some states are extending reservations to Muslims and requested the government to order a comprehensive review of such religion-based reservations.
While he was speaking, certain opposition members raised objections to Laxman's remarks.
Later, almost the entire opposition staged a walkout from the House.
Nadda said the opposition parties are disrespectful to the Constitution and do not respect the parliamentary procedures.
He further said opposition parties consider Muslims as a vote bank, while accusing them of engaging in appeasement politics.
