DMK party president M. Karunanidhi made an impassioned plea on Sunday to party functionaries intending to contest the assembly election as independents against party nominees to withdraw their candidature.
As many as four rebels have filed their papers in the state — three-time MLA S.K. Vedarathinam of Vedaranyam, Hosur municipal chairman Sathya, former minister Marungapuri Ponnusamy and literary wing secretary Velu of Pappireddipatty.
In a statement, Mr Karunanidhi said some poeple who had not got the opportunity to contest the polls have filed nominations as rebels or independents, which amounts to attacking the very party that gave them their political identity.
An upset Mr Karunanidhi said he was hurt by such acts and “moved to tears” by the action of some disgruntled partymen.
“If the affection they have showered on me so far is true, the only way to prove it is to withdraw their nominations and uphold the DMK’s dignity and discipline,” he insisted.
In his plea, the CM recalled the words of one of his mentors and rational party leader late Periyar EVR saying DMK’s slogan is “duty, dignity and discipline” with the last quality being the most important character of the party.