A division secretary of the DMK in the 53rd ward attempted suicide by self-immolation near the party district headquarters here today, for being denied a ticket in favour of a relative unknown in the local body elections.

Resentment was brewing among DMK workers in some wards since the candidate list was released two days ago.

The 53rd ward division secretary, Murugesan, 45, came to the party office near Coimbatore North Flyover and doused himself with kerosene. Even before he attempted to light a match, he was overpowered by the party workers and police present there.

Some 50 party workers, mainly women, then squatted on the corridor of the office and raised slogans against the selection of the candidate in the ward, police said. Senior party leaders are now in discussion with them, police said.

Similarly, a woman named Kalaivani also attempted for self-immolation yesterday near the party office for denying the ticket to party division secretary Muthalagan in the 21st ward. But party workers foiled her attempt.