BJP cadre from Tamil Nadu, who were returning after campaigning in the neighboring Kerala for the state local body elections, were attacked last night near Kottaivasal in Tenkasi , Kerala border, allegedly by DMK goondas .
In Kerala, local body elections are to be held in three phases. First phase of the polling will be on December 8, followed by second phase on December 10 and the final phase on December 14. Votes will be counted on December 16. A high voltage no- holds- barred high-pitch campaign is going on. BJP is contesting in almost all wards. Like Bihar and the recent Hyderabad Corporation election, BJP may emerge victorious by getting more number of seats. Unlike previous elections, a large number of women are contesting this election.
BJP cadres from Tamil Nadu are campaigning for the BJP candidates in Kerala. They go in vehicles and return at the night. On Saturday night (December 5), after campaigning in the Acchan Koil area, they were returning in a campaign van on Senkottai road. Their vehicle was going to Aryankavu area. This is the only route; vehicle can go to Aryankavu from Acchan koil. When their vehicle was nearing Kattalai Kudiyirupu, occupants of a DMG flag tide car and two wheeler borne men intercepted and surrounded BJP campaign vehicle. They started to hit the car and the occupants in the BJP campaign vehicle. They used abusive language and torn the BJP flag. They attacked the driver of the campaign van Subash and another traveler. After hearing their cries, people from nearby areas run towards the spot. On seeing the crowd, the assailants took to their heels and escaped from the scene. Following the incident, a group of BJP cadre, who gathered near Kottaivaasal, the Tenkasi – Kerala border, staged a demonstration demanding the arrest of the assailants. Police who rushed to the spot brought to the situation under control. “We were coming back to Tamil Nadu after campaigning, the attackers blocked our way. It is our usual way to Aryankavu through Sengottai”, said Subash.
They came in a car that had DMK flag at the vanguard. On hearing the attack, a large number of BJP cadres thronged the area. The BJP and other Hindu outfits gave call for a bandh today. Sengottai inspector of police (in-charge) Bala Murugan assured them that attackers would be arrested and asked BJP carders to withdraw their protest. They took the driver Subhash and another to the Puliyarai Kottaivasal area. The police asked them to identify the attackers. They identified Sengottai DMK union secretary Ravi Shankar and others who attacked them. Based on their complaint police registered a case and arrested Ravi Shankar. Efforts are on to apprehend other attackers.
Following prevailing tension in the area, both TN and Kerala police personnel were pressed into service as a precautionary measure.
The recent incidents like this happen since BJP is gaining ground in Tamil Nadu after Vetri vel yatra. The recent GHMC poll results, political entry of Rajini Kant , back firing of DMK’s anti-Hindu stance, exposure of their links with Karuppar Kootam and other things have made DMK jittery. DMK, which saw the writing in the wall clear, is doing all in its bag tricks to woo the voters. Both Stalin and his heir apparent Udayanidhi Stalin visit Saiva mutts to seek their blessings and are spot with sacred ashes on their forehead. Even Stalin started chanting hymn in praise of God. They see BJP as their main rival in the coming state assembly elections. This fear psychosis made them to unleash violence against opponents which they have excelled in the past.
