Withdraw resignation, say EVKS Elangovan supporters

Chennai: High drama prevailed outside the residence of E.V.K.S. Elangovan on Sunday when one of his supporters threatened to immolate himself if he does not withdraw his resignation as TNCC chief. However, the drama lasted just for a few minutes as other party workers ‘convinced’ the supporter to change his mind.

The drama took place even as several district presidents and office bearers met Mr Elangovan asking him to withdraw his resignation as president of Tamil Nadu Congress.

Elangovan’s resigned on June 15 after the AICC expressed “strong displeasure” over the party’s dismal performance in the May 16 Assembly elections. Efforts to locate the supporter who tried self-immolation failed.

The AICC squarely blamed him for the defeat at the hustings since he failed as captain of the ship despite being given free hand in candidate selection. Mr Elangovan’s supporters claimed he had not resigned under pressure but took the decision owning moral responsibility.

“Where does the question of accepting or rejecting his resignation arise? First of all, the Congress does not make public resignations of leaders from party posts. And moreover, Mr Elangovan was asked to put in his papers. So, where the does the question of acceptance or rejection arise?” a senior AICC leader said, while asked to comment on reports that Mr Elangovan’s resignation has been accepted.

Meanwhile, the AICC is likely to announce Mr Elangovan’s successor soon since Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi has returned from his short foreign trip. The consultations are likely to begin as early as Monday.

The names of AICC secretaries S. Thirunavukarasar and A. Chellakumar are doing the rounds since both of them are considered close to Mr Rahul Gandhi.

Mr Thirunavukarasar was part of the AICC team that handled the situation arising out of the decision to split Andhra Pradesh and form Telangana in 2013.