As the nation prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on 15 August 2024, Tamil Nadu, a state known for its history of patriotism, is now facing a situation where permission for a Tiranga rally has been denied, citing concerns about law and order.
In a notable case from Gummidipoondi in the Thiruvallur district, Natarajan, the town president of the Municipality, requested permission from the local police to conduct a Tiranga rally as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, aimed at celebrating India’s 78th Independence Day from 13 August to 15 August 2024. This campaign encourages citizens to bring the national flag into their homes and display it proudly. However, the Gummidipoondi police have denied permission to hold the rally.
In their denial letter, the police have cited concerns that “… given the proximity of schools and shops to the rally location, the event will impact students and local traffic. Additionally, if the rally takes place on the state highway, it could lead to significant traffic congestion and potential law and order issues. Therefore, permission to hold the rally is denied.”
Celebrating Independence Day with a Tiranga rally, intended to foster a sense of pride, has become a troubling trend for DMK in Tamil Nadu.
What to say about an inspector of police who says There will be Law and order issue if a National flag procession is taken out on Independence Day ? Is this what Tamilnadu is reduced to? We are a part of India but have non permission to parade the national flag ?! pic.twitter.com/gI1ivv5c5C
— Vinoj P Selvam (@VinojBJP) August 12, 2024
This situation is not an isolated incident.
On 11 August 2024, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai criticised the DMK government for denying permission to the national party to hold a ‘Tiranga Yatra’ (tricolour rally) in the Coimbatore and Tirupur regions. Annamalai argued that this refusal by the DMK government demonstrated a “disdain for the national flag.”
He emphasized that the rally was intended to be inclusive, featuring no BJP flags but only vehicles adorned with the national flag, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging people to display the flag at their homes. Annamalai noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged citizens to hoist the national flag on August 13, 14, and 15. The BJP had planned to support this initiative with vehicle rallies showcasing the national flag.
However, he claimed that denying permission suggests that the DMK had issues with the national flag. Annamalai further suggested that the State government and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin should have organised such awareness rallies, adding that the BJP was stepping in to fill this gap.
In a separate incident, the police have filed a case against individuals who vandalized the flagpole at a government school near Kandamangalam in Villupuram district.
https://t.co/ExQRgvkdO8#AntiSocialElements #flagpolebroken #villupuramofficial #villupuramcity #TNGovt #tngovtschools
— Kamadenu (@KamadenuTamil) August 13, 2024
At the Panchayat Union Primary School in Rasamuthirapalayam village, Villupuram district, teachers were repairing the flagpole in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. However, some antisocial elements targeted the school overnight and damaged the recently repaired flagpole. When the teachers arrived at the school this morning, they were dismayed to find the flagpole broken. They promptly reported the incident to the Kandangamangalam police station. Following the complaint, the police have initiated an investigation to identify and address those responsible for the vandalism.
In Tamil Nadu, the police, in conjunction with the state government, are actively undermining the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign. They are stopping Tiranga rallies, denying permissions in writing, citing law and order issues. This raises concerns about whether we are living under a regime reminiscent of colonial rule or Pakistan. It is widely acknowledged that the Justice Party and its successor, the Dravidar Kazhagam, had historically favoured continued British rule in India.
The DMK government’s current actions seem to echo this legacy, showing a troubling similarity to past leaders in their suppression of rights won through struggle.
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