The removal of the BJP flagpole occurred on the night of October 20th-21st and has sparked controversy, with allegations of political vendetta, intimidation, and curbing of democratic rights. This operation has further strained the already tense relationship between the ruling DMK government and the opposition BJP in the state.
https://twitter.com/Hariindic/status/1715558819538071781?t=6Z41_1hzbGySbptq-ExJyA&s=08
The action of the Tamil Nadu police in removing the flagpole and the subsequent brutal attack on BJP cadres at the scene has raised concerns about the government’s approach to opposition parties. Critics argue that the government is not willing to engage with the BJP politically and ideologically but instead resorts to intimidatory tactics to demoralise party cadres.
In recent times, the Tamil Nadu police have been closely monitoring the opposition, particularly the BJP and its leaders, taking action against social media posts that are critical of the Chief Minister, his son Udhayanidhi, the late leader M Karunanidhi, or party ministers. These actions have often taken place in the dead of night or early morning hours, adding to the perception of an autocratic approach by the DMK government.
அண்ணமலய அவர் Postல இருந்து தூக்குவாங்கன்னு பாத்தா அவர் வீட்ல இருக்கற Flag Post தூக்கி இருக்காங்க!
உபிக்களின் அறிவே அறிவு!
— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) 👊 (@indhavaainko) October 21, 2023
Police Confrontation and Flagpole Removal
The operation to remove the BJP flagpole led to heated verbal exchanges between police officers and senior party functionaries. Despite the protests and arguments from the BJP members present at the scene, the police remained steadfast in executing the operation. A JCB (mechanical excavator) was used to uproot the flagpole, which was claimed to be obstructing public movement, causing no traffic congestion, and posing no danger to public safety.
However, according to BJP cadres on the ground, this action was seen as a clear case of vindictive politics, and they voiced their determination not to be intimidated. The removal of the flagpole was met with resistance from both BJP cadres and local residents who supported the government. This raised questions about the selective application of the law, as several other political parties and groups in the state also have flagpoles and banners.
Injuries and Hospitalisation
The police used force to disperse the protesting BJP cadres, resulting in injuries to several individuals. State secretary Vivin Baskaran, a functionary of the BJP’s IT wing, suffered head injuries and had to be hospitalised for treatment. This incident added fuel to the fire, leading to further condemnation of the police’s heavy-handed approach.
அண்ணமலய அவர் Postல இருந்து தூக்குவாங்கன்னு பாத்தா அவர் வீட்ல இருக்கற Flag Post தூக்கி இருக்காங்க!
உபிக்களின் அறிவே அறிவு!
— Indhavaainko (இந்தாவாய்ங்கோ) 👊 (@indhavaainko) October 21, 2023
Dr Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, the BJP National Co-Incharge of Tamil Nadu State, strongly condemned the removal of the flagpole and the arrest of BJP cadres. He characterised the arrest as politically motivated, uncalled for, and unwarranted. Reddy accused the DMK government of engaging in vendetta politics against the BJP and violating democratic rights. He stressed that the growth of the BJP in Tamil Nadu has rattled the DMK, and he called on all democratic forces to condemn such acts.
நேற்று இரவு முதல் பாஜக மாநில தலைவர் @annamalai_k அவர்களின் இல்லத்தின் முன் இருந்த கொடி கம்பத்தை அகற்ற காவல் துறையினர் காட்டிய மும்முரம் வியப்பளிக்கிறது. இரவோடு இரவாக இதை தட்டி கேட்ட பாஜகவினர் பலர் கைது செய்யப்பட்டிருக்கிறார்கள். சட்ட ஒழுங்கு சீர்கேடு, செயின் பறிப்பு, திருட்டு,…
— Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) October 21, 2023
Narayan Tirupathi, the TN BJP vice president, criticised the police for arresting peaceful protesters, particularly in a city experiencing rising law and order issues. He questioned the need for such a heavy police presence to remove a flagpole, suggesting that the resources could have been better utilised elsewhere. Tirupathi argued that the DMK’s actions demonstrate its fear of the BJP’s growth under the leadership of Annamalai.
https://fb.watch/nO_0Aoy5JG/?mibextid=2Rb1fBh
https://x.com/NithyamurthiS/status/1715575657001037912?s=20
DMK’s Motivation and Dual Standards
The BJP leadership has accused the DMK of adopting intimidatory measures to weaken the opposition, particularly the BJP. While such tactics may have worked against the DMK’s previous rival, the AIADMK, the BJP, as a national party, presents a more substantial challenge. The BJP alleges that the DMK, without any clear ideologies, is unhappy with the central government’s actions, such as income tax and ED raids on its ministers, including its first family. These actions have revealed unaccounted wealth, benami transactions, and money laundering, further straining relations between the two parties.
State BJP President K Annamali hit back at the DMK-led government and added that the Draconian & Fascist DMK government should understand that it is no match for the resilience & perseverance of a BJP Karyakartha.
The Draconian & Fascist DMK Government should understand that it is no match to the resilience & perseverance of a BJP Karyakartha.
Our Party Flag is a symbol of integrity & sacrifice, and every BJP karyakartha will hold it high with a sense of pride. By taking one down in… pic.twitter.com/b73oFGFhER
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) October 21, 2023
Critics argue that the DMK’s opposition to the BJP goes beyond political and ideological differences, extending to religious beliefs. They assert that the DMK aims to undermine the practice of “Sanatana Dharma” and opposes the chanting of “Jai Sri Ram” while accommodating public namaz and “Allahu Akbar” as secular practices. The DMK’s actions have been described as dual standards and part of an appeasement policy.
The BJP has strongly condemned the action of the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government. They denounced the action on the social media handle.
21 October, 2023
Press ReleaseThe removal of the flag pole placed near the residence of the Tamil Nadu State President Shri Annamalai,at Chennai outskirts and the arrest of bjp karyakartas is strongly condemned. The arrest is purely politically motivated, uncalled for and… pic.twitter.com/AGSlJe65bs
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) October 21, 2023
Legal Perspective on Flagpole Removal
Police sources claim that the BJP’s flagpole was erected on land owned by the Highways Department, and no permission was sought before its installation. Critics, however, question the legitimacy of the opposition from Muslims and DMK supporters in the community. They argue that authorities should issue notices, await reactions, and engage in a democratic process rather than resorting to force.
The midnight police operation to remove the BJP flagpole near Annamalai’s residence has ignited a fierce political controversy in Tamil Nadu. While the government insists it acted within the boundaries of the law, the opposition argues that such actions amount to political vendetta and intimidation. The relationship between the ruling DMK and the BJP remains fraught with tension, and this incident adds another chapter to the ongoing political battle in the state. The future will determine whether such confrontations will impact the political landscape and democratic processes in Tamil Nadu.
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