News Tamil Nadu

“Don’t Come! Don’t Come To Our Town Asking For Votes!” – People Of Dharapuram Show Black Flags Protesting Against DMK MP Candidate

April 2, 2024
The Commune

Polling for the Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu is set to take place in a single phase on the 19th of the month. Among the candidates vying for seats, Prakash is contesting from the Erode Lok Sabha constituency under the DMK banner. The constituency encompasses Kumarapalayam, Erode East, Erode West, Modakurichi, Dharapuram (Separate), and Kangeyam constituencies. However, leading up to the elections, farmers in the region have been engaged in various protests, demanding the release of water from the Thirumurthy Dam to the Upparu Dam.

Despite multiple requests for negotiations with Tirupur district administration chief Kristuraj, who oversees the region, the farmers claim no action has been taken. Consequently, they have resorted to displaying black flags on houses, gardens, and commercial establishments in over 10 villages, including Therpadhai, Panamarathu Palayam, and Nanjiampalayam, to emphasize their demand for water release. They also raised slogans like, “Don’t come! Don’t come! Don’t come to our town asking for votes!”

In light of the ongoing water crisis, Adi Dravidar Welfare Minister Kayalvizhi visited the Kundadam Therpadhai area within the Dharapuram constituency to campaign in support of DMK candidate Prakash. However, tensions escalated when locals, frustrated by the lack of action on water release, displayed banners urging politicians not to seek votes without addressing their concerns.

A tense atmosphere prevailed as the public protested, raising black flags and slogans, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement. Minister Kayalvizhi, arriving to campaign for Prakash, remained inside her vehicle and eventually left without disembarking. Prakash, addressing the public briefly, hastily concluded the campaign amid the tense situation. 

This follows the pattern of the public openly showing their emotions over their increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK. In the past week, several such incidents occurred in Chennai:

  • South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by the residents of Mylapore over unfulfilled promises and her long absence. 
  • Central Chennai DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran faced hard questions from his constituents over unfulfilled promises.
  • North Chennai DMK MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy also faced similar treatment by the public especially over his absence after the devastating floods following Cyclone Michaung.
  • DMK MLA VG Rajendran, an assembly member, who was campaigning for Congress candidate Sasikanth Senthil in Tiruvallur faced a barrage of questions and opposition from the people. 
  • DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan‘s campaign in Theni was interrupted by a youth to voice concerns about the lack of road facilities in his area for over two decades. 
  • Karur Congress MP Jothimani also faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.

(with inputs from Kumudam)

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