Date:23/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122357930100.htm

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Azhagiri agrees to campaign for DMK in Thirumangalam

Special Correspondent

Postpones eye surgery, says he’s aiming at a hat-trick

M.K. Azhagiri

MADURAI: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam election campaign committee chairman M.K. Azhagiri announced on Monday that he would postpone his surgery and work for the victory of the party in the Thirumangalam by-election.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Azhagiri, accompanied by party’s deputy general secretary M.K. Stalin, said only on Sunday he had expressed his intention to stay away from active campaigning due to health reasons. “I have been advised to undergo an eye surgery.”

However, his younger brother Mr. Stalin and a large number of party cadres urged him to reconsider the decision. Madurai district is witnessing a by-poll for the third time since the general elections in 2006.

On the earlier occasions, the ruling party alliance had emerged victorious, from Madurai Central and Madurai West. “I hope to achieve a hat-trick this time”, Mr. Azhagiri asserted.

Charge against AIADMK

Accusing the AIADMK of violating norms while filing nominations, Mr. Stalin said that the DMK followed the Election Commission of India norms stipulated for filing nominations. “Only the permitted number of persons accompanied the candidate while filing papers before the Assistant Returning Officer.”

“Electorate jubilant”

Replying to a question, Mr. Stalin said the electorate in the constituency was jubilant.

The cadres, too, were optimistic that the DMK would win hands down.

Before the filing of nomination, State Ministers and leaders from alliance parties took out a procession led by DMK candidate Latha Athiyaman.