President of Keeripatti panchayat begin his campaign under police protection on Friday.

MADURAI: The president of Keeripatti panchayat, P Baluchamy, who alleged that he was being prevented from contesting the upcoming civic poll, plans to begin his campaign under police protection on Friday. Baluchamy, who claims to have carried out works to the tune of Rs three crore in this economically-backward village, says it is unfair that people (read non-dalits) are trying to stop him from becoming president again despite doing good work.

There are 109 dalit families and 570 non-dalit families in Keeripatti. Baluchamy claims that P Rajakili, a non-dalit, is instigating others to work against Baluchamy.

"Yesterday (Wednesday), I tried to campaign but I stopped after receiving verbal threats. I have filed a complaint in this regard with district collector, U Sagayam, and superintendent of police, Asra Garg," he told TOI.

Other dalit candidates, A Subban, P Chinnasamy and P Palani, had also alleged that non-dalits were threatening them as they were contesting against A Mookakalai, a dalit nominee of non-dalits. They claimed that Mookakalai would be a puppet president of the panchayat if elected.

Balusamy claims that there is opposition also to members of the communist party from working in the panchayat.

"A comrade, Chellakannu, from this village who now lives in the neighbouring village also received threats and has lodged a complaint with the Usilampatti police," Balusamy, a CPM member himself, told TOI.

However, he is determined to start his campaign on Friday with protection from Jayaprakash, the constable who has been his personnel security for the last five years, and his supporters.

"I am not sure of the security that will be provided to me by the police, but I'll start my campaign tomorrow," he said. After all, I have obtained many government schemes for the village and also helped over 300 non-dalits more than my own people to obtain loans for Rs 20,000 and Rs 50,000," he said.

Madurai SP Asra Garg said the DSP had visited the sensitive villages and a police force of not less than 10 persons was ready to accompany any candidate who sought protection.

"All steps will be ensured for the conduct of a free and fair poll," he said.

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