The AIADMK held a function in the run up to Christmas at the Nandambakkam Trade Centre in Chennai on December 21. It was attended by about 500 dignitaries including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, MLAs and MPs of the party apart from party executives. More than 50 Christian clergy from various denominations too attended the event.
After the Chief Minister finished speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam started addressing the gathering. During the address, one of the pastors in the crowd suddenly got up and shouted that he should be given a chance to speak on the platform. “How many years have I been waiting, I will speak now,” he shouted while the Deputy Chief Minister remained silent before he could begin his speech.
Following this, the police surrounded the pastor and brought him out. When asked by police as to why he screamed, he said his name was Joyson and that he had been a pastor in Krishnagiri, adding that his request to speak on AIADMK platforms for the past several years had not been met.
The pastor also said that he had applied to Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and had not yet been given the opportunity to declare himself as the party’s spokesperson.
He then calmed down and was seated in the back row. The police collected the information and gave it to the Deputy Chief Minister through a slip of paper. Following this, the Deputy Chief Minister concluded his speech by saying that the request of Pastor Joyson of Krishnagiri District has been accepted and the matter will be considered soon.