BJP to support Independent

Pondicherry, Jun 20 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would support former minister V Pethaperumal, who is contesting as an Independent, for the post of chairman in Ozhukarai municipal.

Mr Pethaperumal, a rebel Congress candidate was expelled from the party for anti-party activities yesterday.

BJP State President R Kesavalu, told newspersons today that Mr Pethaperumal had sought the party's support for his candidature which was placed before the State Committee Meeting and decided to support him considering him as a common candidate.

He said Mr Pethaperumal was elected to the territorial assembly six times in a row from Thattanchavady and had implemented several people welfare schemes. The election of such an experienced hand would help to implement several schemes.

Mr Kesavalu said the BJP would begin its campaign for Mr Pethaperumal tomorrow. However, he made it clear that the party will not campaign jointly with him.

He said that the administration was yet to announce how much percentage it would have in the private professional colleges here.

''If any decision against the interest of the local students is taken, the BJP would support the students and their parents to organise agitations,'' Mr Kesavalu added.

UNI PAB VV HS HT1722