Tamil Nadu Elections 2016: Rift in Congress after ex-LTTE supporter fielded in Sriperumbudur

It was in Sriperumbudur that former Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by the LTTE in 1991. Now, the Congress has fielded a candidate who was reportedly an ex-LTTE supporter in this constituency. 

According to an India Today report, it is being alleged that the candidate Selva, was a supporter of VCK, a party that supported Rajiv's assassination and the LTTE. Four-time MLA from Sriperumbudur D Yashodha has been protesting the choice of Selva as a Congress candidate from this constituency. She says he can be fielded from any other constituency, but not Sriperumbudur. 

Meanwhile, Selva has defended himself saying, "My grandfather, my father have been Ambedkar followers and we don't believe in terrorism. I am not involved in anything related to terrorism movement. I was in VCK. That is why they are telling."

Selva reportedly began his political career with the VCK in 2003 which openly supports the LTTE. He also served as an MLA in 2006 under the VCK-AIADMK alliance. In 2009, he joined Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party and in 2010, he jumped to the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee.

Congress spokesperson Khushbu has been campaigning for Selva and even told the people at the Sriperambabudur constituency that Selva was their best choice. Questioned the timing of issues being raised against him, she said that in every party there are people who are unhappy if they are not given seats.