Maitreyan sad with party for denying him chance to re-enter

AIADMK leader V Maitreyan Thursday expressed disappointment with his party over being denied opportunities for his re-entry into Parliament, a day after he gave a teary farewell speech in the Rajya Sabha.

Maitreyan claimed the party leadership did not entertain two of his requests - to contest the recent Lok Sabha election or to get renominated to the Rajya Sabha.

The AIADMK leader was addressing reporters after paying respects to former Chief Minister late J Jayalalithaa at her memorial on the Marina Beach here.

"I expressed my interest to contest the recent Lok Sabha election from South Chennai. But I was not given a chance. I expected I would be renominated to the RS in one of three vacancies. Even that did not happen," he said.

"I am really sad about this," he added.

Asked about his future in politics, the 63-year-old oncologist said he is a fighter and would face any situation head-on.

He said only time would decide whether his significance in the party has faded or not, particularly after the death of Jayalalithaa, during whose tenure Maitreyan was selected for three consecutive terms in the upper House.

On dual leadership (K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam) in the party, Maitreyan said, "There are pros and cons.. either it is single or dual leadership."