A comment made by Aadhav Arjuna, the General Secretary of the Election Campaign Management of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagami (TVK), has ignited controversy amid a prolonged protest by sanitation workers against the Greater Chennai Corporation. While expressing support for workers on an indefinite hunger strike, Arjuna stated, “We can do corruption, but we should not do corruption by exploiting the people.”
The situation escalated when four women sanitation workers began an indefinite hunger strike a few days ago. TVK leaders, including General Secretary N Anand and Aadhav Arjuna, met the hunger strikers to offer their support.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Aadhav Arjuna sharply criticised the state government, alleging that it had treated the protesting workers many of whom are from Adi Dravidar communities “without basic rights or dignity.”
He accused the government of violating labour rights and claimed it was acting outside legal norms. Arjuna said his organisation would pursue a “strong legal struggle” and that actor-politician Vijay had expressed concern after hearing about the hunger strike.
In a remark that has drawn public attention, Aadhav Arjuna said “we can do corruption, but we should not do corruption by exploiting the people,” asserting that the state’s contract decision amounted to exploitation of vulnerable workers. He also urged Left groups and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi to support the sanitation workers, saying political differences should be set aside in this instance.
The sanitation workers have stated they will continue their protest until the privatisation decision is reversed.
(Source: Nakkheeran)
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