Sellur K Raju, a three-time AIADMK MLA and former Minister for Co-operation, has sparked controversy yet again by extending birthday wishes and praising Rahul Gandhi, the scion of Congress. Raju commended Rahul for his persistent efforts to strengthen the Congress, likening his influence to the fragrance of jasmine from a neighbor’s garden.
AIADMK’s former minister Sellur Raju commented during the inauguration of a new e-service center in Madurai that, “Just as the jasmine flower in one’s garden emits fragrance, so too does the one next door; you cannot deny its fragrance.” He emphasized the establishment of the e-service center in Madurai West Block, funded by the Public Works Department, to facilitate public access for birth and death certificates. He clarified that despite recent statements, AIADMK is not aligned with BJP, citing concerns over the fairness of upcoming elections and accusing DMK of tactics to sway public opinion.
செல்லூர் ராஜு புகழாரம்!#SellurKRaju | #ADMK | #RahulGandhisBirthdayhttps://t.co/y4W3uzOopr pic.twitter.com/PuhAvghcUh
— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) June 19, 2024
Previously, Raju acknowledged Rahul Gandhi’s persistence and efforts for Congress, contrasting DMK’s election strategies and challenging their ability to govern independently. He also referenced Gandhi’s recent restaurant visit during a campaign, which had gone viral, and expressed admiration for Rahul as a young leader. Raju’s positive comment on Rahul sparked discussion, especially since it was later deleted amid Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics with AIADMK against the Congress-DMK alliance. It is noteworthy that AIADMK was vying for an alliance with the Congress in Tamil Nadu for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
On the same time a day before, during the inauguration ceremony for the construction of a bridge over the Naga Theertha stream near Thuvariman in Madurai, Sellur K Raju extended a warm welcome to actor Vijay as he ventures into politics, inviting him to consider joining the AIADMK alliance. Raju emphasized the party’s readiness for elections and criticized the DMK, accusing them of resorting to new election tactics. He pointed to instances of alleged voter inducement by the DMK in recent bypolls, contrasting it with criticism from Congress leader EVKS Elangovan comparing MK Stalin’s governance to that of K Kamaraj.
Raju suggested that such comparisons might not resonate with voters, citing the AIADMK’s decision to boycott certain bypolls like Vikravandi in protest. He challenged the DMK to contest upcoming elections independently if they believe their influence has grown. Raju also reflected on past alliances and electoral dynamics in Tamil Nadu, cautioning against over-reliance on electoral promises and religious politics. Regarding actor Vijay’s potential political entry, Raju highlighted Vijay’s philanthropic efforts and expressed openness to his joining the AIADMK alliance, leaving the terms to be discussed by party secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami.
Political critics suggest that these remarks by AIADMK’s Sellur Raju come amidst substantial losses in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and a lack of prominent alliances willing to join them.
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