30-05-2025
Happy to represent a larger community: Salma
The nomination of writer-cum-DMK spokesperson Salma aka A Rokkaiah as Rajya Sabha nominee has come as a shot in the arm for Trichy residents who already have three MPs to take up their cause in Delhi.
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Apart from Trichy N Siva (RS), and Trichy Lok Sabha MP Durai Vaiko, Perambalur MP Arun Nehru also represents parts of the district.
"Though my voice would be for the benefit of the entire state, I will surely work for my native district Trichy. I will convey the demands to the right people at the right occasions," Salma, 56, told TOI. Born as Rajathi Samsudeen in Thuvarankurichi in Marungapuri block, she hails from a conservative Muslim family, but became a writer in her early 20s penning books with progressive themes.
Inspired by former DMK supremo M Karunanidhi, Salma joined the party in the early 2000s. She was elected chairperson of Ponnampatti town panchayat in 2001. She contested from Marungapuri assembly constituency in 2006,but lost by a margin of 2,532 votes. "I had a dream of representing and working for the people in an underdeveloped constituency in 2006. Unfortunately, it did not come true. I am grateful to receive another chance to work for a larger community of people," she said on Wednesday after being nominated.
"Our taluk Marungapuri remains underdeveloped and lacks proper health, education, and transport infrastructure," reminds C Venkatesan, a teacher from Kalluppatti. S Arockiyam, a farmer from Vaiyampatti in Manapparai taluk, said, "Our taluk needs flyovers to improve road safety as a national highway passes through it. We hope our grievances will be conveyed better."
