Rebel MDMK leaders did not attend meeting to avoid violence

Chennai, Dec 25 (UNI) Marumalarchi DMK rebel leader Ginjee Ramachandran said L Ganesan and himself had not attended today's meeting convened by Mr Vaiko, as they did not want to give room for violence.

Talking to newspersons here today, Mr Ramachandran said he had an information that hundreds of goondas and hired gang were housed in the Thayagam, the headquarters of the MDMK, to create violence as well as to attack them and their supporters. ''So we did not attend the meeting,'' he added.

Termed today's meeting was invalid, Mr Ramachandran said as per the party's by-laws, the Presidum Chairman could alone convene such meetings, and this was followed till recently from the date of the formation of the party He further alleged that the party's image and popularity was damaged because of Mr Vaiko's decision in changing the political alliance very often He said the original general body meeting of the MDMK will be held at Salem on December 29, as scheduled and most of the general council members would participate in that meeting.

He alleged that Mr Vaiko's son was deliberately intefering in the MDMK affairs, despite the fact that he was not connected with the party.

Mr Ramachandran denied the reported allegation that the present stand taken by him was in expectation to become a Union Minister.

Meanwhile, Mr Ganesan reiterated that they were the real MDMK.

Talking to newspersons at Thanjavur, he said they would prove their strength on the December 29 general council meeting at Salem and also would prove that the MDMK party is with them only.

Today's meeting convened by Mr Vaiko would amount to contempt of court, he added.

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