TNCC leadership miffed with AICC TN for staying MLA Ruby Manoharan’s suspension

The MLA did not appear before the committee to provide an explanation on the protests

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) leadership is displeased with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) Tamil Nadu in-charge Dinesh Gundu Rao for staying the State Disciplinary Action Committee’s order suspending Nanguneri MLA Ruby R. Manoharan, just hours after it was issued on Thursday.

The MLA did not appear before the committee to provide an explanation on the protests by his supporters at the party headquarters on November 15 in Chennai.

A showcause notice was issued to Mr. Manoharan and TNCC SC department head, M.P. Ranjan Kumar, on November 17 seeking an explanation on November 24.  

In a statement after the showcause notice was issued, Mr. Manoharan had contended that he had nothing to do with the violence at the party headquarters and urged the TNCC leadership to reconsider disciplinary action against him.

On Friday evening, 10 TNCC MLAs, including deputy Congress Legislative Party leader, Rajesh Kumar, met the Congress party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, to apprise him of what unfolded on November 15 at the party headquarters. They reportedly underlined that the scuffle had lowered the party’s image in the eyes of the public after the State leadership successfully steered clear of such instances in the last few years, which they were previously known for. They are also likely to meet AICC organisation in-charge, K.C. Venugopal, according to sources in TNCC.

A senior TNCC leader and MLA, who didn’t wish to be quoted, claimed, Mr. Rao, doesn’t have the powers to interfere in the decision of the State Disciplinary Action Committee.