Two DMK leaders suspended for defaming party

The DMK on Thursday suspended two of its leaders, including a member of the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly, for acting in a way that defamed the party, general secretary K. Anbazhagan said.

In two statements issued here, Anbazhagan said Anitha R. Radhakrishnan, who represents the Tiruchendur assembly constituency, and V. Karuppasamy Pandian were being suspended from the DMK's primary membership for defying party discipline and acting in a manner bringing disrepute to the party.

The action against Radhakrishan followed his reported desire to return to the AIADMK after the Karnataka High Court's verdict acquitting former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa and her associates in the disproportionate assets case.

A former minister in the AIADMK government, Radhakrishnan was expelled by Jayalalithaa for anti-party activities in 2009. He then joined the DMK.

Similarly, Pandian was originally with the AIADMK and a two-time member of the assembly. In 2000, he joined the DMK and was later appointed the party's Tirunelveli district secretary.

Pandian was recently removed as the DMK's district secretary. After that, he has been maintaining a low profile.