Senthil Selvan evades question on his future in MDMK, says "focused on public service"

Mayiladuthurai (Tamil Nadu) [India], July 2 : Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) MLA Senthil Selvan on Thursday refused to answer whether he would continue to work in the party, saying that he only remained committed to serving the people.
Sirkazhi MLA Senthil Selvan was speaking to reporters after attending a Tamil Nadu Agriculture Department awareness programme in Mayiladuthurai district. He arrived at the government event in a car bearing the MDMK party flag.
This comes in the wake of controversy surrounding the recent MDMK high-level meeting in Chennai, which was reportedly skipped by the party's MLAs. Their absence triggered speculation about internal differences within the party.
Reports had also claimed that Senthil Selvan had stated he would not resign from his Assembly membership, further fuelling speculation over his political stand in the party.
When asked whether he would continue in the MDMK, Senthil Selvan declined to respond directly. Instead, he said, "I am engaged in public service. I will continue to discharge my duties to the people."
On Saturday, MDMK chief Vaiko announced that his party has decided to extend support to the TVK in the upcoming by-elections and local body elections.
In the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the MDMK contested four constituencies under the DMK-led alliance on the Rising Sun symbol. Two of its candidates, including Senthil Selvan from the Sirkazhi Assembly constituency in Mayiladuthurai district, were elected.
Congress, VCK, IUML and the Left parties extended thier support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) during the recently concluded floor test after the assembly result, while Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) was the recent one to quit the DMK-led alliance.
This development comes at a time when several MLAs and party cadres who had recently resigned from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Thursday formally joined the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Mahabalipuram.
The joining ceremony was held at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram, where senior leaders from the AIADMK defected to TVK, marking a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu.
Those who joined TVK include former AIADMK ministers C Vijayabaskar, M R Vijayabaskar, MSM Anandan and Valarmathi.