In a joint statement issued by a cross-section of members of TNCC state Executive like Karti Chidambaram, Alagiri, deputy leaders, district secretaries and others, they alleged that the party was handed down 'an unexpected defeat', with its vote share dropping to a mere 4.31 per cent and charged the state leadership with "not functioning properly."
They levelled a series of allegations against Gnanadesikan, including not going for election campaign, not convening meetings of Executive and General Council to plan strategies and that he did not "coordinate with state Congress leaders."
"The state President is responsible for the defeat. For Congress to gain foothold once again in the state, party workers are expecting a vibrant leadership. Therefore, taking full responsibility for the defeat, B S Gnanadesikan should quit as TNCC president," the statement, signed by former MP Vallalperumal, South Chennai District Secretary 'Karate' R Thiagarajan and Executive Member RS Senthil Kumar said.
When contacted, Gnanadesikan declined to respond to the allegations or the demand for his resignation.