Congress infighting out in open: TN Congress leader accuses P Chidambaram of lobbying for son Karti for Sivaganga seat, raises allegations against them

While there were only suggestions up until now that leaders of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) were against Karti Chidambaram getting the Sivaganga seat, the reality of of the same is now out in open following the comments made by former Union Minister Sudarsana Natchiappan.

The Rajya Sabha MP, while speaking to the media, has revealed that Congress workers from the constituency weren't expecting Karti's name to pop out, suggesting his candidature could hurt the party in future.

"Sivaganga constituency people were waiting eagerly for the candidate announcement. But an unexpected thing has happened (Karti named as candidate) which has shocked the people of Sivaganga. I feel this could create many problems in the future within Congress," he said in the initial part of his media briefing.

Later on in the video, Sudarsana Natchiappan can be heard slamming P Chidambaram, accusing him of lobbying for his son despite objections raised by the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) leaders.

"As far as I know, people hate that (Chidambaram) family. The family didn't do anything for the constituency, but they've purchased assets in foreign countries. He (Karti) is an accused. We don't know what's even going to happen in the court. He should go and stand in court, but he is going to file nominations. Just imagine how it could damage the name of Congress," the Rajya Sabha MP added.

READ: CONFIRMED: Congress Gives Ticket To Karti Chidambaram To Contest From Sivaganga Despite TN Congress' Objection

Following a meeting between the state and senior leadership of the Congress party on Sunday, it was announced that Karti Chidambaram would be contesting for the party from the Sivaganga constituency. 

There were serious objections to his candidature, with his critics within the party pointing out his involvement in scams like Aircel-Maxis and INX-Media, as well as his failure to win from the constituency after contesting in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

The upcoming Lok Sabha polls will commence on April 11, will be held in seven phases, and conclude on May 19 with the counting of votes taking place on May 23.

Tamil Nadu as a state holds the third lagest number of seats (39) in the lower house of the parliament. The election in the state will take place in a single phase, which will be held on April 18.