Chennai, April 5 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reinstated state spokesperson ANS Prasad to his post. ANS Prasad had issued a formal apology for his controversial statements in which he said actor-politician Vijay should join the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) before the upcoming assembly elections in the state.
The controversy started when ANS Prasad publicly said that Vijay’s association with the NDA would prove helpful in protecting the interests of Tamil Nadu. He further claimed that if the actor-politician decides to join hands with the BJP-led alliance, the alliance will definitely allot him a seat.
This statement of ANS Prasad was different from the official stand of the party. In response, the Tamil Nadu BJP leadership initiated disciplinary action and relieved ANS Prasad of his responsibilities as state spokesperson.
Party insiders indicated that the message of this action was to strengthen discipline in the party and prevent any confusion at a time when political equations are still taking shape ahead of the elections. After being removed from the post, ANS Prasad submitted a written apology, in which he expressed regret over his comments.
In his letter he acknowledged that his statement had created unnecessary controversy and assured the party leadership that in future he would strictly follow the party’s communication protocols. He also reiterated his commitment to the party’s objectives and leadership.
Taking cognizance of his apology, Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran announced that the disciplinary action had been withdrawn and Prasad would be reinstated to his post.
“State spokesperson ANS Prasad was relieved of his responsibilities on disciplinary grounds. Since he has now expressed regret and submitted an apology, the action taken against him is withdrawn,” the statement said.
The BJP leadership has also advised ANS Prasad to be more careful in public statements and contribute effectively to the party’s election campaign.
–IANS
DCH/