Alagiri criticises Nachiappan for questioning high command on Karti

A former Rajya Sabha MP close to the leadership, Nachiappan, who was in the race to secure Sivaganga ticket, on Sunday said that the people were angered by the latter’s candidature. Describing Nachiappan’s comments as ‘unfortunate,’ Alagiri told reporters at party headquarters Sathyamurthy Bhavan that Karti had contested in Sivaganga unsuccessfully when Congress went alone in 2014. “Last time the AICC gave him the opportunity, not one objected or made an issue. Now we are in an alliance. Why was no opposition raised last time?” the TNCC chief wondered.

Empathising with Nachiappan, Alagiri said, “It is natural to feel disappointed when the high command denies it to one and gives to another. Even I will be disappointed if I were denied a seat of my choice. We cannot ask someone not to be sad. They have the right to be so.”

“But there is a manner to express disappointment. It should be cultured, decent and desirable to others or in a way which would make people realise that the person’s remorse was justified,” he added, admitting that such comments were a loss not just to the person but also to the party he represents.

“We have many qualified leaders, but only nine seats are available. Only nine could be given ticket. Even my candidature was changed twice and that too after I had campaigned for two days. Nachiappan is a very qualified leader who has been a minister and MP. When the national leadership has taken a decision, it is fair to accept it. Airing views contrary to the decision was unbecoming of a leader,” the TNCC chief said.

“Natchiappan is very close to the leadership. He could have shared his views with the leadership directly. Only two persons had applied for Sivangaga seat. Karti received 8 applications. Natchiappan had one. Rahul has given it to Karti. We should abide by it. Nachiappan should ask himself if he were airing views against Karti or the leadership?” Alagiri reasoned, quickly suggesting that the way Nachiappan had expressed his disappointment was wrong.

Alagiri, who is a well-known Chidambaram supporter, also clarified that the decision to field Karti was taken only after Manmohan Singh held consultations with leaders who had sought tickets for their spouse or heirs.

He latertendered an apology for recalling an adage which had a derogatoryreference to disabled.