AIADMK, DMDK tussle over garlanding MGR's statue

Tiruchirapalli, Jan 17 (UNI) Tension prevailed at busy Cantonment Area in the city today as a section of AIADMK and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) volunteers almost came to exchanging blows over garlanding the statue of Former Chief Minister MGR on his birth anniversary.

Police had a tough time controlling the two unruly mobs but eventually succeeded in averting a major showdown.

Trouble began when a group of DMDK volunteers attempted to put up party flags near the statue which was objected to by the AIADMK men but in vain.

The DMDK men then tried to put up a party banner surrounding the statue blocking the board carrying the name of a district AIADMK functionary.

Meanwhile, a large gathering of DMDK volunteers led by State Deputy Secretary K P Krishnan and Graduate Wing State Secretary Asa alias Arokiasamy climbed the pedestal, garlanded the statue and hoisted the party flag.

The AIADMK volunteers shouted slogans against their Urban District Secretary Murugaiyan for his absence at the crucial time and appealed to Party Supremo J Jayalalithaa to replace him immediately.

Following this, police made a round-the-clock bandobust at the trouble spot.

Meanwhile,DMK, All India Samathuvamakkal Kazhagam, District MGR Kazhagam local leaders and BJP volunteers garlanded MGR's statue on the occasion.

UNI RV AKJ KP1550