TNCC divided over new chief

On the other side of the apparent divide, some followers of the outgoing president K V Thangabalu wanted to create an impression that they had not reconciled to the nomination of Ramamurthy as party president by the AICC leadership. They passed resolutions to the effect that disturbing Thangabalu, who was democratically elected as president last year, was unfair, and that they were prepared to challenge Ramamurthy8217;s authority if he assumed charge. However, Thangabalu tried to make the transition a smooth event, despite his followers being disappointed. It was the best of a bad bargain. He handedover charge effectively, preventing some of his partymen who were looking for trouble. But Thangabalu said the present office-bearers would not resign to help Ramamurthy reconstitute the executive according to his choice. Thangabalu was of the opinion that he had resigned and that was enough.

In the party circles, however, there was divided opinion on Thangabalu8217;s stance that all his men would continue to hold on to the party power structure. While Ramamurthy and his followers chose not to comment on this aspect of the transition, a Thangabalu follower said it would lead to friction in the future if Thangabalu meant to carry out the 8220;threat8221;.

Ramamurthy on his part said that there would be no change in the executive for the sake of change, indicating that he was prepared to accommodate the interests of the Thangabalu group.

On the co-ordination offer of the Tamil Maanila Congress, he said there was no controversy. Asked to spell out the basis on which he claimed he would build the TNCC as a force toreckon with when nothing tangible had changed in the last two years after TMC president G K Moopanar walked out with a large chunk of the Congress, Ramamurthy said he could feel the pulse of the people.