BJP, VCK cadre clash over Ambedkar statue garlanding; 3 injured

Chennai: The same parties also entered into an argument in Pudukkottai though the situation did not worsen to clashes.

The incident happened arounad 11 am when VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan MP paid respects to the statue opposite the bus terminus. While he was speaking to the media, the BJP cadre who were waiting for their turn became restive, leading to an argument. VCK members allegedly abused Kabilan, who recently shifted to BJP from VCK. Angry functionaries removed flagpoles of the rival party which lead to the clash.

In the ensuing stone pelting, PT Ravi of VCK and Harikrisna of BJP suffered bleeding injuries, while a police constable Dharmaraj who tried to protect a police inspector, too, suffered injuries.

Meanwhile in Pudukkottai, the functionaries from the two parties entered into a heated argument over who should garland the Ambedkar statue first. The VCK members blocked the way to the statue and prevented BJP members from proceeding, which increased tensions. Finally, the police intervened and dispersed both groups but not before they staged protests. Tension prevailed in Salem as BJP and VCK cadre shouted slogans against each other over garlanding the statue of Dr Ambedkar.