The Tirunelveli Lok Sabha Constituency encompasses nine coastal villages, boasting a combined voting population exceeding 30,000 individuals. Notable among these villages are Panchal, Perumanal, Idindakarai, Kududathali, Uvari, Kuthankuzhi, and Koopapani.
In the current electoral landscape, with Congress nominee C Robert Bruce vying for the seat, it appears that the DMK has shown limited interest in the constituency. To safeguard against potential vote loss, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan has been delegated responsibility by DMK party leader MK Stalin as the overseer of fishing communities within the Tirunelveli district.
Anitha Radhakrishnan embarked on the customary campaign trail within these villages, advocating for their alliance candidate Robert. However, tensions arose when Radhakrishnan sought votes in the Kudankulam area, where villagers expressed discontent.
Following recent floods in December that ravaged Tirunelveli and Tuticorin districts, fishermen from Tirunelveli promptly mobilized their boats for rescue efforts. In recognition of their valor, the government pledged financial aid of ₹22,500 per individual. Regrettably, this assistance has yet to materialize, prompting frustration among the affected communities.
Moreover, in Mukkudal, fishermen confronted Anitha Radhakrishnan, alleging discrepancies in the distribution of ₹1,000 entitled under the “Mahalir Urimai Thogai” scheme meant for women. This discontent underscores broader grievances within the fishing community, highlighting the need for prompt and equitable redressal of their concerns.
Amid the crowd, an angry woman exclaimed, “Hear this! What did you say when you came to seek votes? You said this is for all women. Now half of us didn’t receive it. Tell us when we will get it.” Unexpectedly put in the spot by the village women, Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan responded, “Everyone will receive it after the election” Another woman from the crowd remarked, “It’s like that until you get votes” Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan retorted, “I’m saying that you will receive it after the elections, what shall I do if you don’t have the trust?”
Another individual emerged from the back of the crowd to complain to the minister about the reduced water supply in Mukkudal town panchayat; previously two hours, now only one. Overwhelmed by the barrage of questioning from the locals, the minister swiftly retreated, fleeing the scene in his car. As the minister hastily departed, the angered women declared, “We won’t cast our votes. We’re asking so much, see, is he giving an answer? No one should come seeking votes here in the town; they only win because of us. I’m telling you, we won’t cast our votes.”
வாக்கு சேகரிக்க சென்ற அமைச்சர்.. பொதுமக்கள் செய்த செயல்.. | Anitha Radhakrishnan | DMK | #anitharadhakrishnan #dmk #tirunelveli #loksabhaelection2024 #elections2024 #electioncampaign2024 #kumudamreporter pic.twitter.com/pU24PVAfdg
— Kumudam Reporter (@ReporterKumudam) April 3, 2024
Coastal communities have borne the brunt of significant sea erosion, resulting in damage to residential structures. A plea has been put forth for the installation of curved section nets to mitigate these effects. Notably, fishing communities in Tuticorin district have been exerting pressure on Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan, urging for the construction of ramps.
Tamil Nadu encompasses 13 coastal districts housing 561 fishing villages. Criticism has long been directed towards the DMK for neglecting the political representation of fishermen. Jennifer Chandran was the solitary fisherman from Tuticorin to secure a position in the cabinet under DMK’s tenure from 1996 to 2001. However, following this period, the significance accorded to fishermen diminished. There is a particular outcry for the Fisheries Minister to be appointed from the fishing community. It is alleged this time around that major political parties, including the DMK, have neglected to nominate fishermen.
This follows the pattern of the public openly showing their emotions over their increasing dissatisfaction with the ruling DMK. In the past week, several such incidents occurred in Chennai:
- South Chennai DMK MP Tamizhachi Thangapandian was turned away by the residents of Mylapore over unfulfilled promises and her long absence.
- Central Chennai DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran faced hard questions from his constituents over unfulfilled promises.
- North Chennai DMK MP Kalanidhi Veerasamy also faced similar treatment by the public especially over his absence after the devastating floods following Cyclone Michaung.
- DMK MLA VG Rajendran, an assembly member, who was campaigning for Congress candidate Sasikanth Senthil in Tiruvallur faced a barrage of questions and opposition from the people.
- DMK candidate Thanga Tamil Selvan‘s campaign in Theni was interrupted by a youth to voice concerns about the lack of road facilities in his area for over two decades.
- Karur Congress MP Jothimani also faced tough questions from constituents during her campaign in Kodankipatti Adi Dravidar residential area.
(with inputs from Dinamalar)
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