CHENNAI: A political row over district-level appointments in actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) took a disturbing turn on Thursday after party functionary A Agitha Agnel allegedly attempted suicide by consuming sleeping pills, after she was denied the Thoothukudi district secretary post.

According to sources, Agitha, a long-time TVMI worker and a party member from Thoothukudi, consumed around 15 sleeping pills at her residence in Thoothukudi and was rushed by family members to a private hospital, where she is currently under intensive treatment. Her condition is said to be stable.

The incident comes days after Vijay, on December 23, appointed Samuel Raj as the Thoothukudi Central district secretary.

Agitha had openly opposed the appointment, claiming Samuel had not been actively involved in party work and that she, having worked consistently for the party, deserved the post.

Agitha, along with her supporters, staged a protest at the TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, intercepting Vijay's car and later sitting in a dharna outside the office.

Her supporters alleged she was deeply distressed after being branded a DMK proxy on social media by sections of TVK cadre following the protest. Party leaders reportedly assured her to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Meanwhile, Tiruvallur district TVK functionary Sathya Narayanan allegedly attempted suicide on Thursday and was admitted to the Tiruvallur Government Medical College and Hospital. Sources said the action was triggered by a dispute over a Christmas greeting banner that did not feature the photograph of Poondi union secretary Vijay Prabhu, who allegedly threatened Sathya over the omission.