Senthilbalaji plotting to kill me: Vijayabhaskar

Karur: Former AIADMK minister M R Vijayabhaskar on Tuesday claimed threat to his life from DMK MLA V Senthilbalaji, who he alleged was conspiring to murder him. At a press conference here, Vijayabhaskar accused Senthilbalaji and his brother Ashok Kumar of attempting to disrupt a free and fair election to prevent his victory. The DMK MLA has termed the allegation baseless."I have received information that the DMK MLA and his brother are conspiring to kill me. There is a threat to my life. If anything happens to me or those around me, they should be held responsible. We will submit a petition to the DGP, SP and the collector," he said. The allegation comes a day after the AIADMK leader and his cadres were involved in a scuffle with DMK cadres over alleged distribution of pamphlets related to the temple land issue. The matter has emerged as a flashpoint in the Karur election, particularly following recent action by the HR&CE department to reclaim land belonging to Sri Balasubramaniya Swamy temple in Vennaimalai. Several properties and shops have been sealed as part of the eviction drive. Following the scuffle on Monday, the AIADMK leader approached police and was granted protection with police armed with a gun. Responding to questions in Coimbatore, Senthilbalaji dismissed the allegations. "I am in Coimbatore and he is in Karur. How can I do anything to him from here? Is it some sort of war where missiles can be fired," said Senthilbalaji who is contesting from Coimbatore South.