VCK MLA first in TN to resign for cause of Lankan Tamils

Chennai, Nov 7 (UNI) Dalit leader K Selvam of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), became the first Legislator in Tamil Nadu to resign for the cause of Sri Lankan Tamils.

Talking to newspersons after addressing the local body representatives at Thittakudi in his home constituency, Mangalore in Cuddalore district, Mr Selvam said he would submit his resignation to the Speaker on November 10, when the Assembly meets for the brief Winter Session.

Mr Selvam, one of the two members of VCK in the assembly and Legislature Party leader, said he wanted to draw the attention of the Centre on the demand for ceasefire in Sri Lanka, by resigning from his Assembly seat.

''I have decided to quit from the assembly mainly to draw the attention of the Centre and press the demand for immediate ceasefire in Sri Lanka. Atleast after his resignation, the Centre should act'', he told newspersons.

He said despite series of agitations and protests in Tamil Nadu, there was no sign of ceasefire in Lanka and the Centre also remained silent on the issue. ''I am resigning from the MLA seat to condemn the Centre for its inaction and draw its attention'', he said.

Mr Selvam, who believed to have had differences with VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, rejected a suggestion that he was resigning following differences with him.

A couple of weeks ago, he had met Mr Thirumavalavan and explained his decision to quit. He had also told him that he had nothing personal against him, sources close to Mr Selvam said.

Though Mr Selvam clarified that he was not joining any other political party, sources said that he might join the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and head the state unit, in a bid to develop the party in the state.

Mr Selvam had already met BSP supremo Ms Mayawati and other senior party leaders and likely to announce his joining the party in the presence of Ambed Rajan, BSP Treasurer, at a press conference here on November 10, after submitting his resignation.

Former Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) President Deeran is also likely to join the BSP along with Mr Selvam on that day, the sources added.

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