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“It’s Been 4 Yrs Since You Came, What Have You Done For Us?” DMK MLA Prabhakaran Faces Severe Backlash From V.Kalathur Village Youth In Perambalur During A Campaign For DMK’s Arun Nehru

April 4, 2024
The Commune

The Perambalur constituency is presently immersed in a fervent and spirited campaign, as candidates Parivendar of the BJP, Chandramohan of the ADMK, and Arun Nehru of the DMK vigorously compete for votes to secure a seat in the Lok Sabha as the Member of Parliament. However, a significant event has caused a stir on social media as the villagers chased away the DMK MLA who was attempting to gather votes in support of Arun Nehru, the DMK candidate.

A video depicting DMK MLA and alliance party members visiting fever-afflicted individuals near Perambalur has surfaced, showcasing a confrontational encounter with locals. The MLA, alongside DMK cadres, ventured to Rayappa Nagar, V Kalathur Village, Vepanthatta Circle, Perambalur District, aiming to console victims and bereaved families affected by the mysterious fever outbreak. However, they were met with a barrage of criticism and sarcastic remarks from the public, captured in the viral video circulating on social media.

The residents’ intense anger stems from recent events in Rayappa Nagar. In March 2024, two deaths occurred in the area due to a mysterious fever. Despite assurances from District Collector K Karpagam that there was no dengue outbreak, concerns remained. Further investigations revealed that sewage had mixed with the drinking water supply, originating from a borewell in the locality. Despite this, there was no immediate response from authorities. When the DMK cadres, led by MLA Prabhakaran, visited the victims’ houses, attempting to portray sympathy, their actions were seen as insincere by residents and youth, leading to resentment and the eventual expulsion of DMK party members from the area.

The enraged young individuals interrogated the members of the DMK party, “Only last time, he (MLA) came to ask for votes in the election, if he had come when the victims died, then this problem (protest) would not have happened, what have you done for us?” 

“Okay, he was busy, where did the others go? You came to the town only to ask for votes, it has been four years since you came, and what did you do? Will you come only after our death? If this was your son, would you be idle? Won’t you ask then?”

With parliamentary elections looming, the widespread circulation of viral videos depicting severe criticism faced by DMK MPs and MLAs has emerged as a headache for the DMK and its affiliated parties. Notably, during a recent campaign Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.

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.
  • Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan campaigned for Congress candidate C Robert Bruce in Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Constituency, local residents in Mukkudal town questioned the minister on Mahalir Urimi and water supply shortages, prompting his hasty retreat in his car.
  • P Chidambaram, campaigning for his son Karthi Chidambaram in Sivagangai, faced discontent from women voters over issues like a TASMAC shop’s presence, they demanded accountability, warning against seeking votes without addressing concerns, while Karthi’s absence added to discontent. This made Chidambaram hastily leave the scene midway.
  • Madurantakam campaign Udhayanidhi Stalin faced criticism from women voters over shutting down TASMAC liquor stores, which challenged DMK’s commitments. He deflected responsibilities onto the former government, sidestepping direct commitments to shut down all TASMAC shops.
  • Perambalur DMK MLA Prabhakaran campaigning for Arun Nehru, son of Minister KN Nehru, faced a barrage of questions from the gathered crowd asking what he did for the people of the constituency; disheartened by the reception, abruptly ended his campaign and left the locality.
  • Perambalur Campaign for DMK MP Kathir Anand faced harsh questioning from a resident about unfulfilled promises, prompting an altercation. The DMK MLA Prabhakaran responded disrespectfully, leading to further criticism, culminating in both officials abruptly leaving the scene.

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