Controversial political commentator ‘Savukku’ Shankar who recently got out of jail, announced that he plans to contest against DMK’s crown prince Udhayanidhi Stalin from whichever constituency the latter contests.
Shankar, who runs a blog named ‘Savukku’ also features in several Tamil YouTube channels identifying himself as a ‘senior journalist’. He is known for his abusive behaviour on social media targetting politicians, journalists, judiciary and government officials.
The self-styled ‘senior journalist and whistleblower’, was sentenced to jail in a contempt of court case as he had commented on the integrity of the judiciary and insinuated that Justice G.R. Swaminathan had ‘met someone,’ at the Azhagar temple in Madurai in connection with the case against prominent DMK-critic Tamil YouTuber Maridhas.
Following his release from jail, Shankar in his interview to a couple of Tamil YouTube channels expressed his interests to contest against DMK chief MK Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin.
“As of now I have planned to contest against Udhayanidhi Stalin, wherever he contests. I strongly believe that entire Tamil Nadu will campaign for me. You know that I don’t have a lot of money. But I have confidence that we will win despite the money power.”, Shankar had said in an interview.
Shankar while speaking to his friend interviewer Felix said “Comrade, You only told when I am in jail that from postman to people in Dubai, Bahrain, Australia, and all over the world are supporting me. If we can get that support, isn’t it possible to manage a constituency of 3 lakh voters?”
Shankar further added “Like US Presidential elections, I will call Udhayanidhi for a debate. I am ready to debate about any constituency. I am ready to talk about Dravidian politics. I am ready for a debate on any topic. But it should be live telecast.”
He alleged that DMK MLA Udhayanidhi Stalin is of the mindset that entire Tamil Nadu is his property by virtue of being the grandson of Karunanidhi and said that he will not allow it to happen.
This interview had raised enthused avid political watchers in Tamil Nadu.
In light of this announcement, Naam Tamilar Katchi head Seeman has come out in support of Shankar’s ambitions.
Shankar had called on Seeman as the latter had voiced against his incarceration.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Seeman said “Savukku Shankar may be an individual. He may not have a movement behind him. But I am beside him. I have a big movement behind me. So, beware of that.”
When asked about Shankar contesting against Udhayanidhi Stalin, Seeman said that he would support him and would not place NTK candidate in that constituency.
“I will ask my candidate to withdraw from that particular constituency and would compaign for my brother (Shankar). I will make him contest under Farmer symbol itself. If he contests as an independent candidate, I won’t put a candidate and instead campaign for him.”, Seeman said.
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