Chennai, July 30:
A political war of words erupted on Wednesday after PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss’s remarks at the party’s general council meeting drew a sharp response from Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief Manickam Tagore.
In a video statement, Tagore questioned whether the PMK would withdraw its support to the BJP in the Rajya Sabha following the Union government’s assertion that Tamil Nadu’s consent was not required for the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery River.
The response came after Anbumani dared Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to speak about the Mekedatu issue during his upcoming visit to Tamil Nadu. Hitting back, Tagore asked why Anbumani appeared “nervous” and took a swipe by questioning whether he was facing a CBI case and if he believed the people of Tamil Nadu were unaware of it.
Tagore also underscored the Congress party’s national presence, noting that it is in power in multiple states and serves as the principal Opposition in Parliament.
Taking aim at the PMK’s electoral strength, he said the party had secured only four Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, and that too with the backing of the AIADMK and the BJP.
The exchange marks an escalation in political tensions in the state, with the Mekedatu dam issue once again emerging as a flashpoint between parties.