EPS, OPS equally important for AIADMK: Cooperation Minister Sellur Raju

After a meeting with cadres in Madurai on Sunday, Raju made a comparison of both the leaders with a river, citing that it was naturally blessed with two sides of banks, and eyelid, the key protective feature of eyes. The AIADMK founded by MG Ramachandran was the party rooted in discipline and dignity.

The AIADMK is a big tree with several branches and only when branches remain strong, the tree (party) could grow further.

Further he said, MGR founded the party in those days since it was desired by the people. Over the years, men came and went in the field of politics, even delivered welfare measures, but scarcely left a mark. Even now, MGR remains the most searched personality on Google, Raju said, taking pride.

Taking a dig at DMK, he said it has always been a hierarchical party, unlike any other party that relies much on cadres.

With the late M. Karunanidhi, former DMK chief, his son MK Stalin, who stepped into his shoes after his demise, and his son Udhayanithi Stalin in the party, DMK has engaged in family oriented politics.

Nobody needs to struggle and attempt to attain a position in AIADMK, but by being loyal, anyone could reach his or her optimal position.

On the NEET protests, he blamed the DMK for giving its nod when the UPA led Congress was in power at Centre.

It was J. Jayalalithaa, former Chief Minister and AIADMK supremo, who strongly opposed the NEET during her regime, citing the need to bring education under state list.

On issues concerning NEET, he said the DMK is taking a dual stance to deceive the people. The DMK was responsible for Cauvery water dispute and NEET against the interest of people, but at the same time, it aspires to get back into power, he said.

Later, the minister along with cadres paid homage to Jyotishri Durga, medical aspirant, who ended her life in a house in Madurai on Saturday.