Seat wrangle: DMK man sets himself on fire

Pondicherry, Apr 13 (UNI) Tension prevailed at Thirukkanur in Mannadipet constituency here after a DMK worker attempted self-immolation over the allocation of the seat to the Congress.

Mannadipet was allotted to the DMK under the seat-sharing agreement between the two parties.

Last night, the DMK was alloted Embalom (SC) constituency instead of Mannadipet. The news spread like wildfire and a large number of DMK workers took to the streets, forcing shops to down shutters.

They demanded that Mannadipet be given back to the party.

A large number of DMK workers gathered at Thirukkanur and reportedly felled several trees on the Thirukkanur-Mannadipet Road disrupting traffic and blocked traffic.

As tension continued, Periyasamy (50) of Periyapet doused kerosene and set himself ablaze. He was rushed to the primary health centre with minor burns.

The mob also shouted slogans against Speaker M D R Ramachandran and AICC General Secretary V Narayanasamy blaming them for the change in the allotment of constituency and burnt their effigies.

Heavy police pickets were posted in the area following the incident.

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