Chennai: Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty created a political stir by claiming that he had been selected as the first Member of Parliament candidate of the 'Tamil Nadu Social Justice Progressive Front.' In a social media post, he listed the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) as constituents of the front.
Immediate Rebuttal from Left Parties and VCK
The post drew an immediate rebuttal from left parties as well as the VCK. State CPM secretary Shanmugam stated, "It is incorrect to state that he has been nominated as the Rajya Sabha candidate on behalf of a new alliance." He objected to the inclusion of CPM in the list of parties in the alliance and described the post as an "adhiga prasangithanam" (an unnecessary statement).
Chakravarty's Social Media Post
Chakravarty had posted on social media that he considered it "a matter of pride and great responsibility" to have been chosen as the first MP candidate of the Tamil Nadu Social Justice Progressive Front (TVK+INC+VCK+IUML+CPI+CPM). He also thanked Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for reposing faith in him.
CPM Secretary Clarifies
Shanmugam clarified that no one had approached or consulted the CPM regarding the formation of such an alliance or for extending support to Chakravarty's candidature. He added, "On what basis the Marxist Communist Party extended support to the TVK to form the government has already been clearly stated."
CPI Calls It a Political Blunder
CPI state secretary M Veerapandian termed the social media statement a political blunder. Senior CPI leader R Muthruasan told media persons in Trichy that the party extended support to the TVK government only to prevent President's rule in Tamil Nadu. "We are not part of such an alliance," he asserted.
Chakravarty's Damage Control Visit
Later, Praveen Chakravarty visited the offices of CPM and CPI to meet the left leaders, who conveyed their objection. "He also accepted it," Veerapandian said. Chakravarty also called on Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay at the secretariat.
