In a statement, some TRC executives contended that PMK leader S Ramadoss contradicted himself on his support to the LTTE, the organisation which was accused of being behind the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi.

First Ramadoss said he supported Sri Lankan Tamils, the statement has alleged. Later, he said the PMK would not extend its support to the LTTE or its sympathisers. Now the PMK had changed its position once again, presenting a mercy petition to the President seeking pardon for the killers of Rajiv Gandhi, the TRC has said. Ramadoss should make himself clear on the issue of support to the LTTE, the TRC has demanded.

This is not the first time that the TRC and the PMK, both Vanniar outfits, have not agreed on an issue. The two parties had serious difference over contesting the Rasipuram(Reserve) Lok Sabha seat in the recently held Lok Sabha elections.

Following the Chief Minister's intervention, the TRC withdrew its candidate V Mummidi Arasan. However, PMK candidate S Udaya Arasu lost to All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's V Saroja. TRC leader Vazhapadi K Ramamurthy, who contested from Salem, also lost. He, however, blamed the TMC for dividing his support base.