Actor and DMK functionary Bose Venkat has stirred controversy with his remarks following the party’s candidate selection interview, even as he sought an opportunity to contest from the Aranthangi constituency in Pudukkottai district.
As reported in OneIndia Tamil, Bose Venkat, who has been active in the DMK, had submitted applications to contest from both Virugambakkam and Aranthangi constituencies ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. As per party rules, he attended the interview for Aranthangi, his native place.
Speaking to reporters after the interview, Bose Venkat reiterated his preference for Aranthangi and outlined his case for the DMK to contest the seat, which is currently held by Congress MLA Ramachandran, son of senior leader Thirunavukkarasar.
“I had sought an opportunity to contest from both Virugambakkam and Aranthangi constituencies. Aranthangi is my native place, so I attended the interview seeking a chance to contest from there. As per party rules, one can submit applications for multiple constituencies by paying the required fee, but can attend the interview for only one constituency. Accordingly, I attended the interview for Aranthangi,” he said.
Making a case for the DMK to be allotted the seat instead of Congress, he added, “As far as Aranthangi is concerned, it is currently held by the Congress party… We requested that the seat be given to the DMK instead of Congress. I did not mean that Congress should be rejected; they are our alliance partner.”
He further highlighted the historical dominance of Thirunavukkarasar’s family in the constituency, stating that the DMK had contested there only once in several decades. “In the past 50 years, there would have been someone in the DMK who dreamed of becoming an MLA from this constituency… That opportunity is being denied,” he said.
At the same time, Bose Venkat acknowledged the constraints of alliance politics, referring to the Chief Minister’s stance on coalition obligations. “At the same time, there is something called alliance dharma, we must respect alliances… Just as you all worked and ensured victory last time with a margin of 30,000 votes, you must ensure victory again,” he said, recounting the interaction.
However, it was his concluding remark that drew sharp reactions online. “If Stalin desires something, we must do it… Instead, we must have the mindset that if Stalin says so, even if a dog or a fox is fielded there, we must ensure victory,” Bose Venkat said.
The statement has triggered criticism from sections of social media, with some interpreting it as an indirect comparison of Congress candidates to animals, while others viewed it as an expression of unquestioning loyalty to party leadership.
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