Factionalism surfaces in TN Cong unit

Chennai, Feb 10 (PTI) Factionalism in the Tamil Nadu unitof Congress came to the fore today when supporters of formerunion minister EVKS Elangovan staged a fast demanding hisinclusion in the party''s panel to discuss seat-sharing withruling DMK for the May Assembly polls.

One of the members also attempted to immolate himself,police said adding his bid was foiled by other Congressworkers.

The Congress had recently named a five-member panel,comprising union ministers P Chidambaram and G K Vasan, partyspokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan, TNCC president KV Thangkabaluand AICC secretary Jayakumar.

Supporters of Elangovan, also a former TNCC chief, in thefaction-ridden TNCC were reportedly unhappy following hisexclusion from the panel.

Reacting to the incident, Thankgabalu said Congressworkers have to abide by the decision taken by the party highcommand.

To a query, he said a consultation meeting of party MPs,MLAs and other senior functionaries will be held on February13 after which seat-sharing talks with DMK would begin.