News Tamil Nadu

“Had I Been In Manipur, I Would Have Taken A Knife & Killed Them All” DMK’s Vellore Candidate Kathir Anand Makes Speech Violating MCC

April 10, 2024
The Commune

Once again we see news reports on the behaviour and attitude of Kathir Anand, the DMK candidate representing I.N.D.I Alliance and vying for the Vellore constituency in the parliamentary elections 2024 violating electoral conduct rules. He took to the campaign trail on 8 April 2024, reaching out to voters in various areas including Tirupattur district, Madanur, Vadaputhupattu, Kilimurungai, Solur, Periyanguppam, Nachar Kuppam, Vinnamangalam, and Minnur.

During a recent address, Kathir Anand began by attributing blame to the current surge in gold prices, comparing it to the intense heat of the sun and highlighting how over the past decade, the price of gold has risen dramatically, making it increasingly unaffordable for many, particularly in terms of purchasing jewelry. Then he warned that if the Modi regime continues its policies, the price of gold may soon reach an exorbitant milestone of ₹1 lakh.

He lamented the plight of the common middle class, grappling with the escalating prices across the board. He drew attention to the recent farmers’ protests in Delhi, where farmers resorted to extreme measures, protesting in the nude, and blatantly lied that farmers didn’t get an audience with Modi. “If there is a problem in this town, the councilors will come running, won’t they come when called? They would come running to you whether it is something good or bad. But one lakh farmers protested in India, sat on the road and protested for almost three months, do you know what they asked? They said Mr. Modi give us an appointment, we want to come and see you, tell our grievances, please listen to our grievances and solve them, nothing else was asked. He did not give them an appointment for three months, but he is going to the same town for the wedding of an actress, he goes and attends the reception. Let me tell you one more thing, men protested naked, farmers protested against the Modi government without even a patch of cloth on their bodies. 500 men stood and protested without even a single piece of cloth on their body, they left all shame, honour and pride and to see Modi, but Modi did not even look at them and didn’t come to meet them. Women, women stood half naked, said we will let go of our shame, give us permission to see Modi, but Modi did not meet them.”

Later, Kathir Anand spoke about the instances of sexual assault in Manipur. He underscored Modi’s perceived lack of concern towards these crises. During his speech, Kathir Anand attempted to evoke sympathy by discussing the issues in Manipur, aiming to sway voters’ emotions. “In Manipur, your sisters, my sisters-in-law were raped and ruined. If I was there, I would have taken my knife and cut them all. Won’t the blood have boiled, everyone’s blood would have boiled, but Modi did not look back.”

In a previous rally held in Vellore, Kathir Anand made derogatory comments about women, suggesting that their radiant appearance was solely attributed to financial assistance of ₹1,000 from the DMK government’s Women’s Basic Income scheme. hence the woman use of fairness cream and powder, thereby insulting their dignity. He also questioned if they had already received ₹1,000, possibly alluding to the state’s financial assistance scheme for homemakers. Anand’s comments have stirred controversy and received widespread criticism. Women across the state expressed feeling insulted by his derogatory remarks, stating that many hadn’t even received the promised money.

Manipulating emotions to garner votes and fostering the notion that transgressions and violence are acceptable methods for addressing concerns seems have become a common strategy in DMK’s political campaigning. However, despite the explicit guidelines outlined in the model code of conduct which emphasize restricting criticism of rival political parties to their policies, past performance, and personnel without resorting to unfounded allegations or distortion, and explicitly prohibit the exploitation of caste or communal sentiments for electoral gain, it is disheartening to observe that such comments continue to permeate election campaigns in Tamil Nadu.

(with inputs from ETVBharat)

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