The conflict between the alliance parties, the Marxist Communist Party and the DMK, has escalated in the Madurai area, with leaders openly accusing each other. Notably, Su. Venkatesan, the Madurai MP from the CPI(M), and P. Moorthy, the DMK Minister for Commercial Tax and Registration, have been at the center of this verbal battle. The CPI(M) accused the DMK of failing to provide quality ration products to the public, prompting the DMK, under Moorthy’s leadership, to post posters around the Vandiyur area criticizing the MP. The posters read “Kanda Vara Sollunga”, (If you see him, ask him to come) implying that Venkatesan had not come to the constituency during the recent rains.
At a recent event in the Madurai District, during the introductory meeting for Madurai North District functionaries and constituency in-charges, DMK Minister Moorthy strongly criticized the communists. He claimed that the allegations against his party were false and urged people not to trust them. Moorthy expressed concern that the DMK was losing support and emphasized that functionaries should identify the voters who are drifting away and work to regain their trust.
மதுரை மாவட்டம், ஆலத்தூர் பி ஆர் திருமண மஹாலில் மதுரை வடக்கு மாவட்ட கழக செயல்வீரர்கள் மற்றும் தலைமையில் இருந்து அறிவிக்கப்பட்ட தொகுதி பொறுப்பாளர்கள் அறிமுக கூட்டம் நடைபெற்றது. #MKStalin4TN #DMK4TN pic.twitter.com/bIpnv4NBHx
— பி மூர்த்தி (@pmoorthy21) October 19, 2024
Minister Moorthy began his speech by warning the new functionaries that the East constituency has about sixty thousand votes, emphasizing that their duty is to maintain and reclaim those votes for the party in the next election. He pointed out a shocking reality indirectly while the DMK claimed dominance and a significant sweep, they had actually fallen short in the last election, trailing by forty-four thousand votes in Melur.
Minister Moorthy expressed his disappointment over the votes shifting toward the BJP, stating, “The votes that we got in the local body election, we did not get those votes in the parliamentary election in some corporations and in some villages. We did not know what the reason was or who did not vote. It is very strange and weird. So you should not take it lightly. Assess the reasons, particularly during the local body election in our wards in Madurai East constituency. The opposition party had only received 2000 to 3000 votes, but now if they have got 22000 votes means there is no doubt that they are totally our votes. So, what is the reason for the votes changing? Without any notice, these votes have gone. Similarly, votes in three other constituencies have changed.”
Later, Moorthy took a jab at their alliance party, particularly targeting MP Su Venkatesan’s recent allegations, stating, “Write it down approximately, our chief minister and deputy chief minister are going to provide around 13,000 pattas to the 8 municipalities, in which no one can claim rights. Leave the work of calling the ineligible and diverting them that we will provide pattas, as our chief minister is responsible under the law for the eligible… On behalf of the district functionaries, I would like to say that our chief minister and deputy chief minister have already begun the work of providing pattas. Those who spread false propaganda that they will provide something for their namesake, pride, fame, should stop this. The chief minister who runs a perfect Dravidian governance knows when and where to provide the benefits to the voters as promised.”
Background
Recently, a conference was held by the Marxist Communist Party in Vandiyur, part of Minister Moorthy’s East Assembly constituency in Madurai. Local residents have been vocal about the poor road conditions and the subpar quality of products in ration shops. DMK members reportedly informed Minister Moorthy that the Marxist Party’s banners were aimed at criticizing the DMK regime, even sharing a photograph of the display.
Shortly after, the Communist Party put out a call for the entire Vandiyur community to rally together. Notices criticizing MP Su Venkatesan were posted throughout the region, questioning his lack of gratitude toward the voters of Vandiyur who helped him win his two terms. The posters read “If you see him, tell him to come” (Kanda Vara Sollunga) and asked what he had done for the community since his election, stirring frustration among the Marxist members. This campaign received significant attention on social media and in the press, further inflaming tensions.
At a recent union conference for the East and West Marxist Communist Party, MP S. Venkatesan addressed the criticisms directed at DMK members. He remarked, “If there are better fighters out there, we welcome the challenge.“Speaking at a meeting in Oomachikulam, he commented on the demands raised at the Vandiyur conference, including the urgent need for road repairs and improvements in ration shop offerings. He criticized those responsible for the poor quality of goods, asserting that the Marxist Communists would continue their fight for the community. Venkatesan urged the public to come and see for themselves, inviting anyone who could do better to step forward.
The DMK responded sharply, stating, “Don’t be ashamed to put up posters claiming to represent the villagers and making us look bad.” Speculation has arisen regarding Minister Moorthy’s involvement in the poster campaign and whether MLA Ko. Thalapathy was behind it. This issue has sparked widespread discussion in Madurai’s political circles and online.
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