PTR says won’t be a sycophant to anyone

MADURAI: PTR Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for Finance and Human Resources Management, during an indoor meeting with party cadre in Madurai on Thursday made controversial comments saying that he will never lose his self-respect at any cost and won’t be sycophantic to anyone.

The programme was arranged by Thiaga Rajan to celebrate Chief Minister MK. Stalin’s second consecutive tenure as president of the DMK.

It’s certainly a joyous occasion to celebrate and each and every cadre of the party was called for this special treat. But, things happening in Madurai over the last few days are concerning, he said, adding that some of them in the party had boycotted this programme and threatened others against taking part in the celebrations. “Unlike others, I am more experienced and knowledgeable through education and above all my hard work and ability over the years made me better off,” Thiaga Rajan said.

Differentiating himself, Thiaga Rajan said that he had seen many, who did not express their gratitude for all chances and opportunities they had. One day, they would secure their own downfall, naturally. “But, I will always take care of my indebtedness to humanity, as the distinguishing characteristic of human being,” the Minister said.

Further addressing, the Finance Minister said that he did not want to compete with anybody as he’s progressing on his own way. ‘I want to be a ‘big man’ –(periya manithar). Taking pride, he said his family had a long tradition emphasising the importance of education.

G Thalapathy, Madurai district secretary was among those senior leaders of the party who boycotted the programme. Madurai Mayor Indirani Ponvasanth and others participated, sources said.