Velumani says he didn’t attend RSS event in Coimbatore

COIMBATORE: Former AIADMK minister S P Velumani said he participated in the centenary celebration of Perur Aatheenam Shanthalinga Ramaswamy Adikalar here on Monday and did not attend the RSS function as he had not been invited to that.

He added that false information was being spread that he participated in the RSS function held in the same venue. Addressing reporters at the Coimbatore International Airport on Monday evening, Velumani said Perur Aatheenam had brought pride to the Kongu region. “We went to attend the centenary celebration of Santhalinga Ramasamy Adigalar as we were invited to it. But we were not invited to the RSS event.”When asked whether a silver Lord Murugan idol and a silver spear (Vel) had been given to the RSS chief to show that the AIADMK and the BJP were one, Velumani said, “Mohan Bhagwat was invited as a special guest to the Adigalar programme.

Since it was held in my assembly constituency, he was given a Lord Murugan idol and spear as gifts.”He said, “The AIADMK would form alliances with many parties for election. But the party would not compromise on its policy of self-respect for that.” He said Siruvani dam water level had been raised to 50 feet during the AIADMK regime. However, the water level was reduced after a landslide in Kerala and the water level at the dam is not being kept above 40 feet now. “The water level should be raised to 50 feet immediately, and the frequent water release should be stopped. Otherwise, the AIADMK will stage a protest within 10 days,” said Velumani.