The court order is a blow to the fascist nature of the TVK, said DMK leader M.K. Stalin.
In a statement issued by DMK leader M.K. Stalin on this, he said:
“The spirited protest rally held by the DMK in Thanjavur, condemning the TVK government’s negligent and arrogant attitude—lacking the courage to uphold Tamil Nadu’s rights in the Cauvery and lacking the backbone to stop the Mekedatu dam—served to reflect the outrage of the entire Tamil Nadu.
Along with DMK comrades, farmers and the general public also took part and expressed their sentiments. Participating in the protest demonstration and speaking there, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Udhayanidhi, strongly exposed and criticized the incompetence of the T.V.K. government.
"The incompetent dummy Chief Minister has neither been able to bring Cauvery water nor speak up to stop the Mekedatu dam. Farmers are shedding tears in anguish, but the ministers are shedding tears watching the Chief Minister’s acted film. A joker cabinet has been formed in Tamil Nadu," the opposition leader leveled a series of accusations. So far, the rulers have been unable to respond to this.
In an attempt to hide the fact that the government’s failure in the Cauvery issue has come to light, and to divert attention from the issue itself, the police force that came to Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi’s house this morning has arrested him in an arbitrary manner. Ignoring the fact that he is the Opposition Leader, the T.V.K. government has arrested him and taken him to Thanjavur. By registering cases under various sections, they are trying to intimidate Udhayanidhi.
The Legislative Assembly is also set to convene tomorrow. They are going to present the budget. At that time, the Opposition Leader, who has Cabinet rank, should be in the House. But they have initiated this action thinking that he should not be there.
After the opposition shown by volunteers and the public across the country, the T.V.K. government lawyer has told the court, “There is no intention to arrest him; we will release him once the inquiry is over.” If the purpose was only to conduct an inquiry, couldn’t it have been done in Chennai itself? Why take him to Thanjavur? Why file a case under multiple sections that cannot be granted bail? The government is trying to cover up the fact that it backed down because of public opposition. The order issued by the Chennai High Court that “Udhayanidhi must be released today itself” is a blow to T.V.K.’s fascist nature!
Since coming to power, Chief Minister Vijay has been doing only one thing: arresting those who criticize him, his ministers, and his government. If someone posts a tweet or speaks in a video, they are being arrested. The arrest action also fell on Legislative Assembly members Anitha Radhakrishnan and Markandeyan.
Students and youth were not allowed to fight against the NEET exam. Brutal attacks were launched on those who held protests. The very act of sealing off Chennai’s Marina Beach was the height of fascism. It was said that the farmers, who had risen up spontaneously to protest, had done so at the instigation of the opposition parties. Permission was denied for the Dravidar Kazhagam vehicle rally that had gone to campaign against the NEET exam. It was in continuation of this that the T.V.K. government unleashed arrest action against Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi, who had organized and spoken at a protest for farmers and taken part in it.
I thank the political party leaders who have issued statements condemning this. But it is regrettable that some leaders have condemned Udhayanidhi without knowing the truth. Udhayanidhi did not say anything obscene in his speech. He did not mention anyone. Some political leaders condemning Udhayanidhi without verifying what others spread about him having said something he did not say is a diversion of the issue. Udhayanidhi is not someone who speaks carelessly. Even if he does speak mistakenly, he has the nature of apologizing immediately.
Since coming to power, Chief Minister Vijay, who has been moving around only as a reels creator instead of fulfilling his promises, should at least now act with a sense of responsibility.
The DMK comrades who have been arrested for taking part in protests across Tamil Nadu must be released immediately!
“Arrogance leads to destruction; persistent arrogance hastens destruction!” he noted.