BJP, Congress workers clash

Garlanding of Kamaraj statue

Coimbatore: Tension prevailed for some time at second agraharam in nearby Salem on Sunday after cadres of BJP and Congress clashed with each other over garlanding the statue of former Chief Minister K Kamaraj on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

Workers of both the parties arrived at the venue around the same time this morning and Congress workers objected to BJP putting up party flags around the statue, police said.

The BJP workers who accompanied Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan picked up an argument with their Congress counterparts, resulting in push and shove for some time.

However, police, who were present on the spot managed to pacify both the groups and brought the situation under control, they said.

Later talking to reporters, Radhakrishnan said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was following the footsteps of late Kamaraj, who had given a corruption-free and honest government in Tamil Nadu.

Mentioning that people's opinion will be taken into consideration while bringing any change in the UGC system, he said since States were adopting different education systems, it was necessary to have a comprehensive education so that the students can compete in All India level examinations.

The senior BJP leader reiterated his remarks that “certain forces” were opposing developmental projects in Tamil Nadu, including the Salem-Chennai Eight Lane project.

Usually roads were extended on the lands owned by the government and 'poramboke' and agricultural lands were acquired only when it was very necessary. In view of the development, farmers should cooperate with the government, Radhakrishnan said.