DMK has implemented a mini-emergency in Tamil Nadu: DMDK

Premalatha Vijayakanth accuses ruling DMK of imposing 'mini-emergency' in Tamil Nadu, protests denied permission in Chennai.

DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth on Monday alleged the ruling DMK had implemented a ‘mini-emergency’ in Tamil Nadu. She made the remarks after her party was denied permission to hold a protest in Chennai against the recent sexual assault of a girl on the Anna University campus; easy availability of drugs; and seeking ₹1,000 as Pongal gift for people and assistance to farmers affected by Cyclone Fengal.

DMDK cadre courted arrest at protests, led by party deputy general secretary B. Parthasarathi, held in front of the Chennai Collectorate and near Maduravoyal.

Ms. Premalatha condemned the denial of permission for the protest. “Has there been any instance of violence or damage to public property or have we been a hindrance to the public. We sought permission but they kept quiet until the end...and denied it. The State government has implemented a mini-emergency. DMK has staged so many protests when it was the Opposition party. Why can’t people freely express their opinion in a democratic country? Opposition parties will articulate their point of view and organise protests. Nobody has the right to curb them,” she said.

She charged the DMK acts differently in opposition and when it is in power.

“When the AIADMK was in power, DMK said that ₹2500 wasn’t enough (as Pongal gift). But, now, the DMK is not even giving ₹1,000 for the festival. They say that there is no revenue. Where is the revenue,” she asked.

She further said there was no harm in singing the national anthem twice in the Assembly as expected by Governor R.N. Ravi.

“Mr. Ravi is asking that the national anthem be played twice. What is wrong in this, and why can’t you do it,” she asked.