Melee over homage between supporters of Deepa, Dhinakaran

Followers of AIADMK leader T T V Dhinakaran and late J Jayalalithaa's niece, Deepa Jayakumar engaged in slogan shouting, leading to a melee here today over paying homage to Dravidian ideologue and former chief minister C N Annadurai.
On the 108th birth anniversary of Annadurai, popularly known as "Anna", (elder brother), supporters of Dhinakaran gathered on the arterial Anna Salai in large numbers here to welcome their leader who was scheduled to pay homage to a statue of the late leader.
Ahead of Dhinakaran's arrival, when Deepa Jayakumar arrived there to pay homage accompanied by her followers, supporters of both the leaders engaged in slogan shouting, competing with each other.

When Deepa's supporters sought way for their leader's car till the location of the statue which was teeming with Dhinakaran's followers, it led to arguments among a section of the supporters.
The slogan shouting and arguments led to a melee but no one was hurt, the police said.
Later, Deepa paid homage to the leader and left the venue.

After that Dhinakaran arrived and paid floral tributes to Anna.
Dhinakaran was followed by a convoy of cars of his party functionaries and his loyalists.
Leaders including Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Leader of Opposition M K Stalin were among those who paid homage to Anna.