AIADMK workers defy police order in Villupuram, arrested

The protest was led by former Minister C. Ve. Shanmugam

Over 100 AIADMK cadres led by former Minister C.Ve. Shanmugam were arrested on Thursday while trying to observe a fast near the old bus stand here to condemn the DMK government for “discontinuing popular schemes” introduced during the previous regime.

The AIADMK had sought permission to hold fast near the old bus stand. But the police asked the party members to ihold their protest at the municipal grounds. However, the party cadre defied the orders and attempted to stage protest near the old bus stand leading to their arrest.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Shanmugam said the DMK government failed to implement any of the poll promises. It had discontinued popular schemes introduced by the previous regime including ‘Thalikku Thangam’ scheme and mini-clinics.

Mr. Shanmugam said the policies adopted by the DMK government had left the people suffering. It had hiked property tax immediately after the results of the local bodies elections. The hike would affect the poor, he said.