PT leader Krishnasamy blames it on money power for not contesting more seats in urban local bodies polls

Puthiya Tamilagam founder K. Krishnasamy on Friday blamed money power for not fielding candidates in more seats in the recent urban local body polls.

He launched a protest in Chennai against Russian’s invasion of Ukraine.

According to State Election Commission’s data, Puthiya Tamilagam fielded candidates in just 55 wards and won only four wards, in addition to three wards won as independents.

In the run-up to the 2021 Assembly election, the party championed the demand of change in name of Pallar community to Devendrakula Vellalars and additionally sought removal of the community from the Scheduled Caste list.

Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing the change in name of the community before the elections, PT contested in 60 Assembly seats on its own where the party has traditionally been strong but failed to win a seat.  

Asked why the PT and the BJP did not fight the election together, Dr. Krishnasamy told The Hindu that this was something that the BJP had to answer.

“We have supported  the BJP on many issues. You have to ask them why we are not in their alliance,” he said.