DMK enraged by ban on Periyar-Anna Jayanti rallies, Udhayanidhi raises questions!

Tamil Nadu opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday met social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and former Chief Minister C.N. Strongly criticized the police for not granting permission to the rallies proposed on Annadurai's birth anniversary.

He said that stopping these rallies organized by other parties including his party DMK is a violation of democratic rights. Udhayanidhi questioned the police decision, calling it unfair and demanded the government to reconsider the decision.

In a social media post, Udhayanidhi Stalin questioned why the police did not allow these events, while rallies organized by right-wing groups were allowed in the state. He appealed to the government to reconsider this decision and give immediate approval for the programmes.

According to him, the DMK had planned to organize a rally in Erode, the birthplace of Periyar, on September 17 to commemorate the social reformer's birth anniversary. Another rally was proposed at Gudiyatham to celebrate the birth anniversary of Annadurai, popularly known as 'Perarignar Anna'.

The Gudiyatham program was to be organized jointly by the DMK and several other political parties. Udhayanidhi Stalin termed the denial of police permission as unacceptable and alleged that the government was adopting different criteria while deciding which political and social organizations could hold public processions.

He asked why the police, which works directly under the control of the Chief Minister, allowed rallies organized by right-wing organizations but stopped events in honor of Periyar and Anna, two leaders who had a profound impact on the social and political development of Tamil Nadu.

The opposition leader also raised questions over the Chief Minister repeatedly calling Periyar and Anna as ideological guides. He asked who the government was trying to please by not allowing rallies organized in his memory.

Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that the decision raises doubts whether the state police is working independently under the authority of the Chief Minister or bowing to the pressure of forces linked to saffron politics.

He accused the government of showing political arrogance and not respecting the legacy of the two Dravidian stalwarts. The DMK leader said the people of Tamil Nadu were closely watching the government's actions and would recognize the government's inclination towards right-wing political interests.

Udhayanidhi Stalin demanded immediate reversal of the police decision and said that the proposed rallies should be allowed to take place peacefully as per the set rules. He said remembering Periyar and Anna is an important part of Tamil Nadu's history of social justice, rationalism, linguistic pride and self-respect.