Rebel candidate

Denied ticket, AIADMK woman candidate to contest as Independent candidate

VELLORE 

Unhappy over the party’s decision for not giving an opportunity for woman candidate in Vellore Constituency, forty seven year-old AIADMK cadre, M Usha Nandhini, has decided to contest as independent candidate in Vellore constituency in the forthcoming assembly election.

On Friday, she resigned from the party membership and councilor post. “No party has fielded a woman candidate for Vellore Constituency till date. Be it AIADMK or DMK.  So, I have decided to represent the women of the constituency in the election and I am confident to win the election,” said Nandhini after handing over the resignation letter to Corporation Commissioner. She also sent a letter to the party headquarters.

"My mantra is -no money for vote," said Nandhini, who started her campaign in the city. She has been appealing to the women to support her to represent them in the assembly. "I have also promised them that I will work for the constituency development in the next five years."

Nandhini has been running Bharathi Amma Social Service Organisation, an NGO, for over 10 years in Vellore city to provide job oriented training and financial aid to women. “There are around 5000 members in the organisation. Irrespective of their community, caste and religion, they are supporting me and willing to campaign for me. In fact, they encouraged me to contest in the election as independent candidate,” she said.

Nandhini was confident to take on AIADMK candidate P Neelakandan, DMK candidate P Karthikeyan and others in the fray. “People will vote for a candidate who works for their development. I have fulfilled the needs and demands of the people in my ward during my tenure as councilor. I am confident to continue my good work, if the people support me in the election,” she added.

In fact, she contested as independent candidate in the 54^th ward in the last local body election after she was denied party ticket. She defeated the party’s official candidate and the DMK candidate. After winning the election, she attached herself with AIADMK party.