With Tamil Nadu’s Industries Minister S. Keerthana facing flak for conducting an inspection at a government school and interacting with the children, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president and Virudhunagar MP B. Manickam Tagore on Tuesday took a dig at the Opposition MLAs by calling them “Velai illa pattadharigal” (jobless degree holders) and said that they are “finding fault in everything” since they have “suddenly lost their jobs”.

Speaking to reporters after paying respects to Rettaimalai Srinivasan, a renowned anti-caste activist, who was active in Madras Presidency during the British Raj, Mr. Tagore said the Industries Minister had responded to the criticism.

Asked to respond to the comments made by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi founder and Chidambaram M.P., Thol. Thirumavalavan, that “no decision” has been reached on the alliance arrangement under the leadership of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, Mr. Tagore said, “The parties that supported the TVK to form the government – Congress, VCK, CPI, CPM, IUML. Of this, only Congress, VCK, and IUML have become a part of the Cabinet. CPI and CPI(M) are only extending support. After many years, a coalition government has been formed. In the next meeting, the alliance will be taken to the next level.”

He added that, “INDIA alliance is in Delhi. In Tamil Nadu, the TVK is leading the alliance. Only during election, we can see whether seat-sharing arrangement can be reached.”