Footwear hurled at Tamil Nadu minister M C Sampath

CUDDALORE: AIADMK minister M C Sampath cancelled his election campaign abruptly on Wednesday after an unidentified man hurled footwear at him to register his protest against the Tamil Nadu government’s failure to undertake relief and rehabilitation works when rain wreaked havoc in the district a few months ago.
Sampath reached Karamanikuppam on Wednesday morning for campaigning.The residents gathered in large numbers on learning about his visit and started questioning him about the tardy implementation of relief and rehabilitation measures after rain and floods. The minister patiently attempted to explain their queries when an unidentified person threw a sandal at him.
The footwear missed him and fell on his vehicle. The incident led to tension as the minister’s supporters entered into an argument with the protesting people. Upset over the incident, Sampath left the village. He cancelled his campaign till evening.
This is the third incident of protest by the residents in the constituency against the minister in the last 10 days. An unidentified person hurled a stone at the minister when he visited the Devanampattinam coastal hamlet a few days ago. The minister escaped unhurt as the stone missed him by a whisker. The coastal villagers were protesting against him and the government machinery for not extending immediate help during the floods.
In another incident, residents of Bheema Nagar hoisted block flags to protest against the minister’s visit to their region. They charged that the minister had not extended necessary help during natural catastrophe. Similarly, residents of a few hamlets announced protests against the minister but later dropped the agitation following the intervention of party functionaries.
AIADMK sources said the opposition parties were using the disgruntled sections of the society to target their leaders and create a mirage that the government had failed to execute the rain relief and rehabilitation measures.
“When our leader wins the poll with a thumping majority, people will realise that these incidents are stage-managed by opposition parties. He has a great following and has tirelessly worked for the development of the constituency,” said an AIADMK functionary.
Sampath is seeking reelection from Cuddalore constituency. DMK has fielded Ela Pugazhendi while People’s Welfare Front has fielded TMC candidate A S Chandrasekar and PMK has nominated Pazha Thamaraikannan. Naam Tamzhilar Katchi coordinator and film director Seeman is also contesting from this constituency.