Chennai: Puthiya Thamilagam leader Dr K. Krishnasamy shocked the mediapersons at a press conference in Chennai on Tuesday by asking a reporter to identify his caste and his native place. Various journalist associations have condemned Krishnasamy's behaviour in the meeting.
Chaos and confusion marked the press conference addressed by Dr.K Krishnasamy, who contested on behalf of AIADMK, in election to Tenkasi Lok Sabha seat. Krishnasamy, who secured 355870 votes, lost to Dhanush. M. Kumar of DMK, who got 476156 votes.
Krishnasamy convened the meeting in the party headquarters at Chennai to thank the voters for exercising their franchise in the elections. Several reporters and cameramen from TV channels have assembled at the office.
He wished the newly elected Lok Sabha members and 22 MLAs in bypoll from the state. He also appealed to the candidates, representing AIADMK, BJP, PMK and DMDK, who lost in the elections, not to lose hope. He said success and failure come one after another.
Recalling about electioneering in his constituency, Krishnasamy said that people from various communities rallied behind him and gave him support, unlike his first election in 1996. "It was as a 'social revolution' achieved in his constituency and he was able to visit people belonged to various communities in the Tenkasi," he said. Taking about his defeat in the LS poll, he said he lost the election by small margin.
Hell broke out when a reporter asked him what was reason for his loss in the constituency. Krishnasamy replied that he was not the only candidate to lose the poll and 27 candidates from AIADMK led alliance lost in LS poll. Social media played a key role in the poll by creating anti-BJP wave in the state. Tamil Nadu lost an opportunity to gain from the Centre, he added.
When the reporter insisted on his reply to his query Krishnasamy asked him to identify his caste and his native place. The reporters condemned him for posing unwanted question. However, Krishnasamy refused to withdraw his comments and continued to ask the reporter about his caste.
Stating that the reporter was asking foolish question, Krishnasamy reasoned that everyone belonged to some caste or other. Condemning the leader for raising the issue, the reporters replied that they are not influenced by any such feelings. Krishnasamy also accused that the reporters do not work impartially.
In the melee, the party cadres also entered into verbal altercation with the reporters. Following 20 minute long battle, Krishnasamy left the place. Various journalist associations have condemned the behavior of Dr Krishnasamy.
