‘I like him a lot’: Former AIADMK minister Semmalai says DMK minister PTR is his role model

CHENNAI: As election heat picked up in Tamil Nadu, former AIADMK minister S Semmalai sprung a surprise by calling DMK minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan his “role model”. Speaking at an event hosted by a media house last week, Semmalai lavishly praised the DMK minister and said he appreciated him even on the floor of assembly when former chief minister J Jayalalithaa was present. “I like him a lot. He is the best economist, politician, an intellect, and a role model for politicians,” said Semmalai, adding that he felt the DMK leadership had not fully utilised Rajan’s abilities. The video clip has since gone viral on social media. Describing him as “a very good and highly talented person”, Semmalai told TOI: “PTR is a right man in the wrong party. Nothing wrong in appreciating the honest man in our opposition camp. After all, our Anna (C N Annadurai) said mattran thottathu mallikaikkum manam undu (jasmine in another garden too has fragrance).” Semmalai, a pro-tem Speaker of the assembly in 2016, administered the oath to newly elected MLAs, including Rajan. Reacting to the praise, information technology and digital services minister Palanivel Thiaga Rajan said he held Semmalai in high regard. “He is a cultured and decent politician. It gives me immense happiness that he spoke with a big heart,” he said. Rajan, a former international investment banker, entered politics in 2016, 10 years after the demise of his father, former speaker P T R Palanivel Rajan.