News Tamil Nadu

Sanitation Workers Face Discrimination At Event Led By DMK Minister Raja Kannappan

April 14, 2025
The Commune

The ruling DMK government is facing sharp criticism following an incident on 14 April 2025—Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s birth anniversary—where sanitation workers were allegedly subjected to discriminatory treatment during an event meant to promote equality. The controversy centers around Milk and Dairy Development Minister R.S. Rajakannappan, who oversaw the event.

More than 500 sanitation workers were invited to the function to honor their contributions, but instead of receiving equal treatment, they were made to wait over an hour for food. They were also segregated into a separate dining rows and not served until after the officials—including Ramanathapuram MLA and DMK Minister Raja Kannappan—had finished their meals and left the venue. Even in the video footage, while the minister dined comfortably in the front row, the two rows behind—where the sanitation workers were seated—hadn’t even been provided with banana leaves for serving food.

This perceived humiliation sparked anger and disappointment among the workers, who questioned the sincerity of the event’s theme of equality. Many voiced their frustration, asking why discrimination persisted even on a day dedicated to Ambedkar’s ideals of justice and social equity.

One upset worker asked, “They served food on banana leaves for the front row alone, but why weren’t the front and back three rows given any? Are we here to eat leftovers? Can’t we cook and eat at home? You tell us. We came here at 8 o’clock, and we were given was a water bottle and a packet of biscuits—not even tea. Who are we supposed to tell this to? Is this for you invited us?”

Earlier, an “Equality Day Pledge Ceremony” was held at the Ramanathapuram Collectorate Hall to commemorate Ambedkar’s legacy. The event was presided over by Collector Simranjeet Singh Kalon and District Revenue Officer Govindarajalu, with participation from various government departments. Officials, including Superintendent Shanmuganathan from the Primary Education Office, took the pledge promoting equality and social justice.

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