The DMK and its ministers appear to lack respect for the general public, often behaving as if they are privileged and superior to others. This attitude is exemplified in a viral video circulating on social media, where DMK Minister of Co-operatives KR Periyakaruppan is seen speaking harshly and disrespectfully to members of the public who sought assistance for not receiving benefits from the Magalir Urimai Thoigai (Women’s Basic Income Scheme).
During a campaign endorsing the alliance candidate Congress Karti Chidambaram, DMK Cooperative Minister KR Periyakaruppan was notably involved in rallying votes in the S.Pudhur, Karisalpatti region within the Sivaganga Lok Sabha constituency. Amidst the general public gathering, an individual raised a concern regarding their family’s exclusion from the Women’s Basic Income Scheme. However, instead of addressing the matter, DMK Minister Periyakaruppan became visibly agitated and raised his voice in response stating, “Hey! I am telling you those who did not get it will get it soon. First, tell me which party are you from. Are you from the ADMK? Don’t we know how you spread lies about us? Hey! Throw him out! Look at him, someone or the other in this town turns up drunk. Hand him over to the police. Look at him.”
Previously, during the campaign of DMK Minister Periyakaruppan, incidents unfolded where villagers faced hostility when raising inquiries about the ruling DMK government’s inefficiencies. Supporters of Minister Periyakaruppan clashed with villagers discussing road facilities near Singampunari in Sivagangai district.
In an incident on 4 April 2024, Minister Periyakaruppan visited Urathupatti to garner votes for Congress candidate Karti Chidambaram. Villagers confronted him regarding the unfinished Urathupatti-Melavannaripu road project, which had been stagnant for years. Subsequently, some of the minister’s entourage attacked those engaged in the discussion, resulting in injuries to local DMK members and others. The altercation escalated, leading to tension in the area, aggravated by a shortage of police presence.
Following the clash, injured individuals approached Selvaraj, a BJP union leader, alleging attacks by outsiders. Selvaraj attempted to question the DMK union secretary about the incident but was met with aggression from the minister’s associates, leading to a physical confrontation. Eventually, Selvaraj and his wife were attacked inside their home. Injured individuals, including local DMK leaders Alagappan and Rasu, along with BJP executive Selvaraj, are receiving medical treatment at Ponnamaravati Government Hospital.
Additionally, supporters of the minister, Vignesh Prabhu, and Viswanathan, claimed they were assaulted by villagers and are also receiving treatment at a hospital. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the incident.
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