Charges against TN Labour Minister

Chennai, Feb 13 (UNI) Chithamur Panchayat Union Chairman R Janani today charged the Tamil Nadu Labour Minister T M Anbarasan with threatening her continuously till she joined the ruling DMK.

Having won the election as an independent, Ms Janani attributed her victory to her individual and family popularity in the area.

Though her husband Raja Krishnamoorthy was an active politician of the AIADMK, she used to stay away from the politics. In fact, during the election campaign, she gave an assurance to the voters that she would never join any political party in the future.

Soon after her election as Union Chairman, she met Mr Anbarasan and got his blessings by touching his feet.

Despite this, the Minister harassed and compelled her to join the DMK and instructed panchayat officials and Kancheepuram District Colletorate not to cooperate with her official functioning, she said.

She further alleged the Minister had informed the residents of the Chithamur Panchayat Union that she would be removed from her post in six months. The fact was corroborated by many of the residents, she claimed.

On February eight, the Minister, while addressing a party meeting at suburban Sothupakkam, besides abusing her had thrown a challenge saying he would see how she functioned in her official capacity.

Mr Anbarasan's remarks were totally in contradiction to State Local Administration Minister M K Stalin's assurance that the government would extend its cooperation to local body chiefs irrespective of political affiliation.

Ms Janani said she would report the matter to the State Governor, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, Mr Stalin, State Women's Commission, State Human Rights Commission and Kancheepuram Distict Collector for suitable remedy.

She would be meeting Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) Founder Leader S Ramadoss to apprise him of Mr Anbarasan's ''interference and compulsion.'' Mr Raja Krishnamoorthy, who was also present at the press conference, wanted Mr Karunanidhi and Mr Stalin to take suitable action against Mr Anbarasan. Otherwise, the future of the DMK in Kancheepuram District (in which the panchayat was located) would be in jeopardy.

To a question, he said they would face politically if Mr Anbarasan continued with his harassment and threats.

UNI