The Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released the fifth episode of its video series, “Theemai Kadhaigal,” leveraging the iconic vigilante character, ‘Anniyan,’ from the eponymous Tamil blockbuster. The video takes a strong stand, using Anniyan as a powerful metaphor to underscore the DMK government’s neglect towards the people of Chennai during the recent floods.
Opening with Anniyan addressing the citizens of Chennai, he declares, “Vanakkam Chennai people, if you are watching this video, then we assume that you’re safe. This week marks a dark chapter in the history of Chennai.” Anniyan goes on to attribute the aftermath of the flood to the incompetence of the elected Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government in the state.
Highlighting the historical support Chennai has provided to the DMK, Anniyan points out that out of the eight mayors in Chennai since 1965, seven of whom have been from the DMK, including the current Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin. Speaking about the aftermath of the cyclone Michaung and the floods, the video shows clips of Chennai residents crying in hunger during the floods, depicting the struggles of people trying to obtain essential supplies like milk.
Anniyan condemns the DMK for its poor handling of the crisis, narrating instances where citizens protested on the streets for basic needs, only to face insults from DMK functionaries. The video captures the defiance of the people of Puliyanthope, who rejected food supplies provided by the government. Anniyan criticises the DMK IT wing for verbally attacking those seeking help online and alleges that DMK supporters went as far as threatening journalists who questioned the government in a Twitter space.
The video somberly lists the lives lost in the floods due to the government’s alleged failure to provide necessary medical facilities. Anniyan accuses the DMK of spreading misinformation, asserting that instead of saving lives, the government was busy disseminating fake news to the press, falsely claiming that Chennai had returned to normalcy.
Anniyan raises pertinent questions about the government’s promises, particularly pointing to the purported rainwater flood canal that the DMK claimed to have built with a budget of ₹4000 crores. He questions the authenticity of the canal’s existence, especially since the recent floods exposed the unpreparedness of the government. Anniyan challenges the government on its failure to provide assistance, ensure the availability of basic needs, and employ modern technologies like drones, which other states have utilised during disasters.
Anniyan concluded the video by saying, “DMK is purposefully using Chennai people only as election machine.”
Here is the 5th Episode of #TheemaiKadhaigal. #4000கோடி_எங்கே_அரசே ?
சென்னை மக்கள் திமுக-வுக்கு பாடம் புகட்டுவார்கள்! pic.twitter.com/RaKSgERgUQ
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) December 10, 2023
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