The Tamil Nadu government issued an order to include sugarcane in the Pongal gift package after opposition from farmers and political parties such as the BJP and AIADMK, in what appears to be yet another U-turn by the ruling DMK government led by MK Stalin.
Previously, the Tamil Nadu government issued an order to provide ₹1000 in cash, rice, and sugar to all ration card holders for the Thai Pongal festival in 2023.
Sugarcane farmers, who had grown sugarcane expecting procurement by the Tamil Nadu government, were disappointed by the DMK government’s announcement, which left sugarcane out of the Pongal gifts announced. Farmers have previously stated that they have grown sugarcane for the Pongal festival and that if the DMK government does not procure it, they will suffer a significant loss. They also threatened to protest if the DMK government’s decision was not reversed.
The BJP’s Annamalai and AIADMK opposition leader Edappadi Palaniswami issued statements in support of farmers and announced a protest date. In light of this, the Tamil Nadu government issued an order to include sugarcane along with the Pongal gift package.
Here are some of the other U-Turns made by the Stalin government.
Annur Industrial Estate Project U-Turn
The DMK government has proposed to set up an industrial estate at Annur village in the Coimbatore district. The Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) is set to acquire 3,832 acres of agricultural land in and around the site for this purpose. However, a circular regarding this announcement was issued to the Coimbatore District Collector by TIDCO without any discussion with the main stakeholders – the farmers.
Following a protest by Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai and farmers in Annur during the first week of December, the DMK government under Stalin capitulated to pressure and withdrew the plan to acquire land from the farmers.
DMK said that only land owned by private companies will be used to establish the industrial park. Lands belonging to farmers will not be taken for any reason, the government clarified.
Deepavali Sweet U-Turn
During the 2021 Deepavali festival, it was reported that the state transport department had amended the tender rules for the supply of 100-tonne sweets for its workers to favor a single company with close ties to the DMK Transport Minister’s son. On 18 October 2021, a local daily reported that the Minister’s son had taken a 30% commission from the company while arranging for the tender to be awarded to the said company.
Many companies were interested in bidding for the tender to get the order and even met Minister Rajakannappan. But, Rajakannappan’s son Dileep had apparently influenced the transport department officials to tweak the tender. Instead of giving orders to Aavin, the state-owned milk cooperative, for the supply of ghee sweets, the Minister’s son ensured that a private company won the bid at ₹600 per kg. In order to ensure that the tender went to said company, the terms, and conditions of the bid were allegedly tweaked saying only those companies with ₹100 crore turnover per year can participate in the bid.
This sparked outrage, with many accusing the DMK of engaging in corruption just six months after assuming power. Later, BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai announced a protest against the DMK government for killing the state-owned Aavin and awarding the Deepavali tender to a private company. The DMK government, as expected, withdrew the tender awarded to the private company and awarded it to the government-owned Aavin company.
Pattina Pravesam U-Turn
On 4 May 2022, the DMK government banned the centuries-old practice of “Pattina Pravesam,” a ritual of carrying the mutt head of Dharmapuram Adheenam in a palanquin, following a petition by “Periyar”ist outfits. DTamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai came to the forefront and stated that the practice existed before the birth of the DMK ideology and demanded that the ban be lifted. He went on to say that he would personally carry the pontiff in the palanquin despite the ban. A rattled DMK, relented and lifted the ban. Annamalai kept his word and carried the pontiff in the palanquin.
Tiruvarur Street Naming After Karunanidhi U-Turn
On 12 May 2022, thousands of people led by Tamil Nadu BJP President Annamalai protested at the DMK fortress and temple town of Thiruvarur against the renaming of ‘Rath or Car Street’ after former CM Karunanidhi. It is worth noting that the former CM is from Thiruvarur and was elected as an MLA twice from that constituency. Stalin’s government had no choice but to abandon its plan seeing the vociferous opposition.
Chennai-Salem 8 Lane U-Turn
On 1 September 2022, the DMK government reversed its position on the Chennai-Salem Expressway project, which they had vehemently opposed while in opposition. After assuming power, they stated that they are not opposed to the project itself, but rather to how it is being implemented.
“The then opposition leader MK Stalin urged the AIADMK government to settle the issues of farmers before proceeding with the project. Now, the DMK government has sent ministers and MLAs to discuss the matter and settle the dispute. DMK was well aware of the need for the project,” DMK Minister for Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports EV Velu said.
Ambur Biryani Festival U-Turn
The Tirupattur district administration announced in May that a Biriyani festival would be held in Kannigapuram, a town known for its ‘seeraga samba rice’ biryani. The administration invited participants to set up mutton and chicken biryani stalls in the hopes of obtaining the geographical identification (GI) tag for Ambur biryani. The collector, however, denied permission for the beef stall. Even so, parties such as VCK and NTK demanded a beef stall, which Hindu Munnani and other outfits opposed. The DMK government, sensing the brewing tension, canceled the festival, citing a rain forecast.
Closing Biryani Shops During Vinayagar Chathurthi Procession U-Turn
An order issued by Sivakanchi police to maintain law and order in the area during Vinayagar Chathurthi was turned into a controversy by Periyarist groups and the VCK. The order was later revoked by the DMK government. In September 2022, The Sivakanchi police had requested Biriyani and meat shops in the Chengalnirodai and Sankaramadam areas where the Vinayagar Chathurthi procession was scheduled to pass. Following opposition from the Periyarists and the VCK party, the DMK government reversed its decision to close the meat shops.
Vikatan FIR U-Turn
DMK and its leaders, who projected themselves as the torchbearers of the freedom of speech while they were in the opposition, filed a flawed FIR against Vikatan group, Youtuber Maridhas, and political commentator Savukku Shankar for speaking against the real estate company G-Square, a company allegedly having close ties with the DMK. According to the FIR, anyone associated with the Vikatan group is an accused in the case. The FIR was withdrawn by the DMK government following a protest by a section of journalists.
Old-Age Home U-Turn
In the last year and a half, the DMK government has made numerous U-turns. They announced a plan to use temple funds to open an old age home. However, after opposition from the BJP and other groups, the DMK informed the Madras High Court, which was hearing the case, that they had put a halt on plans to use temple funds for old-age homes.
Given these numerous U-Turns in just over a year and a half, it would be befitting to call this government as “U-Turn Model” instead of “Dravida Model”.
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