The VCK and CPI-M MLAs, who took part in a government event in Nagapattinam, have expressed their disappointment over the absence of their names on banners, despite being elected representatives of the people. This has sparked controversy within the DMK alliance.
The 71st Cooperative Week celebration, organized by the Cooperative Department, took place on 16 November 2024, in Nagapattinam. Tamil Nadu Education Minister Anbil Mahesh chaired the event, which was also attended by Tamil Nadu Fish Development Corporation Chairman Gauthaman, Tamil Nadu TADCO Chairman Mathivanan, Nagapattinam Assembly Member Aloor Shanavas, Kilvellur Assembly Member Nagaimaali, District Collector Akash, and other officials.
During his address, Kilvellur CPI-M MLA Nagaimaali expressed regret, in the presence of Minister Anbil Mahesh, about the omission of his name and that of Shanavas from the banners at the government event. Shanavas, the Nagapattinam Assembly member, also voiced his frustration, noting that their names had been consistently excluded from government programs over the past three years. He pointed out that even minor errors by government officials could tarnish the government’s reputation.
Nagaimaali expressed his disappointment over the omission of their names from the banners, saying, “When I arrived at the event, I couldn’t understand why my name, or that of the Nagapattinam MLA, weren’t mentioned. I don’t understand why our names were left out.” He then openly criticized the situation in front of the DMK minister, stating, “I don’t know how you think of us. You shouldn’t be differentiating us, as if some are more important than others.” He further advised the authorities that such actions could send the wrong message, urging them to treat everyone equally. Nagaimaali lamented, “We are also people’s representatives and came here with peoples votes. I would like to say such instances will send different message.”
Later, speaking at the event, VCK MLA Shahnawaz emphasized, “We need to consider the impact of a small mistake made by officials in far-off corners. Just last week, at a municipal function, the names of the MLA and MP were left out. You should look at social media how quickly narratives were shaped using that. There are already external forces actively working to break this alliance, and such mistakes by some officials can easily be interpreted as the government deliberately marginalizing us.”
Shahnawaz went on to warn the authorities, stating, “As a people’s representative, if something goes wrong, there’s no need for a banner or recognition. But these mistakes must not continue. I urge you to correct these oversights going forward.”
Minister Anbil Mahesh, responding to the concerns, assured the legislators that such issues would not recur, stating, “I will ensure you receive the respect you deserve as long as I am in office.”
குமுறிய கூட்டணி MLA-க்கள்.! அன்பில் மகேஷ் மேடையில் பரபரப்பு.! விறுவிறுத்து போன ஆஃபிசர்ஸ்.!#Nagapattinam #NagapattinamMLA #AnbilMahesh #AloorShanavas #Nagaimaali #DMK #VCK #NewsTamil #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/rTktTbL1vR
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) November 16, 2024
The incident, where the DMK excluded the names of its alliance partners—such as CPIM MLA Nagaimaali and VCK MLA Shahnawaz—from banners at government events in their respective constituencies, has raised criticism. Many are questioning whether this reflects the commitment to social justice and self-respect that the DMK’s Dravidian model government promises to its alliance partners.
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