Spells out zero-tolerance stance of party towards those indulging in violence

Sending out a strong message that he would not endorse or tolerate violence by party cadre, DMK working president M.K. Stalin on Thursday went to a restaurant in Valasaravakkam where his party cadre (since suspended) had beaten up its owner and staff for not providing them biryani after closing hours, and consoled them.

Mr. Stalin, who has been busy for the past few days shuttling between home and the Kauvery Hospital where his father and party president M. Karunanidhi is convalescing and meeting high-profile visitors, found time to go to the joint with former Telecom Minister A. Raja, ex-mayor and Saidapet MLA Ma. Subramanian and others.

“I met the owner of the biryani joint and consoled him and the workers, who bore the brunt of the attack. I told them that anyone who violates the basic tenets of political decency taught by Kalaignar (Karunanidhi) has no place in the party,” he tweeted.

When the news about the attack went viral — thanks to CCTV footage — the party immediately suspended those who were behind it.

Expressing disapproval

During his visit to the hotel, Mr. Stalin met its owner Tamilselvan and a hotel worker named Karunanidhi, who were injured in the attack, and expressed his disapproval of the action by his suspended party cadre.

Mr. Stalin said he would not allow the dedication and commitment of lakhs of party cadre go waste due to the unacceptable behaviour of a few persons.

A DMDK man

“Their behaviour will bring down the reputation of the party among the general public. I will not hesitate to take action against such people and their position in the party would not matter,” he said.

Mr. Tamilselvan, a member of the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and the party’s candidate for the Pallavaram constituency in the 2016 Assembly polls, said Mr. Stalin had set an example for the next generation by his gesture.

“Amidst his busy schedule, he found time for us. I have no words to express my gratitude,” said Mr. Tamilselvan, who changed his original name Selvaraj in memory of the late LTTE spokesperson.

He said Mr. Stalin was ready to offer any help for the damage caused due to the attack. “He offered us a cup of tea and inquired about the health of our workers,” he said.

Later, Mr. Tamilselvan and others went to Arivalayam to thank Mr. Stalin, who welcomed them with tea.