The operation undertaken by the Tamil Nadu police with regard to the removal of BJP’s flagpoles late in the night escalated tension in the area, with BJP supporters denouncing the move of the DMK-led state government. The incident unfolded in Paniyur on the ECR road, with police officers attempting to remove the newly erected BJP party flag pole in front of Annamalai’s residence. This operation triggered an outcry among BJP party members, who gathered in the area to protest the removal. In the midst of the commotion, an IT wing functionary sustained a head injury and was subsequently hospitalised. The police action has drawn criticism from across the state.
In response to the incident, Tamil Nadu BJP State President K Annamalai made a bold declaration, vowing to erect 100 party flag poles daily across the state, with a target of 10,000 poles in three months. Annamalai’s statement emphasised the party’s determination to prove its strength and resilience.
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
According to Tambaram Police, no permission was sought from the Greater Chennai Corporation for the installation of a 45-foot flag pole outside Annamalai’s residence. Interestingly, the police did not remove a DMK party flag pole located just 100 meters from Annamalai’s house, which was also situated on highway road lands.
Legal Ramifications
Amar Prasad Reddy’s arrest is not the sole consequence of this incident. The Tamil Nadu Police have also registered a case against six individuals in connection with the dispute, with five of them being remanded to judicial custody. Amar Prasad Reddy has been produced before the Tambaram Judicial Magistrate Court.
Just heard that @amarprasadreddy has been arrested by @mkstalin govt. On what charges? What is happening in Tamil Nadu? This is an attack on democracy! #WeStandWithAmarPrasadReddy pic.twitter.com/OeBx4SYYty
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) October 21, 2023
In a Facebook post, Amar Prasad Reddy challenged DMK president and Chief Minister MK Stalin, asserting that any attempt to touch the BJP party flag pole would result in the DMK flag flying across Tamil Nadu.
The arrest of Amar Prasad Reddy has generated public outrage and controversy. Critics argue that the arrest is part of a pattern by the Tamil Nadu police to apprehend individuals on Fridays or Saturdays, thereby preventing them from seeking bail promptly.
BJP’s Condemnation
Prominent BJP leader Kapil Mishra condemned the arrest of Amar Prasad Reddy, emphasising the importance of safeguarding dissent in a democracy. Mishra asserted, “We firmly advocate for his release,” underscoring the significance of preserving democratic principles.
A BJP leader, Krishnan, accused the DMK-led government of releasing Muslim prisoners prematurely while simultaneously arresting individuals who are engaging in democratic activities. This perceived partisanship has been criticised as an attempt to stifle voices of dissent and target BJP and Sangh Parivar activities. Some have drawn parallels between these actions and the intimidating and vindictive politics witnessed in West Bengal.
The situation has sparked a sense of irony in Tamil Nadu, a region known for its historical figures who fought for India’s freedom. Among them is Tiruppur Kumaran, who is fondly remembered as “Kodi Katha Kumaran” (The Kumaran who saved the Flag). Today, police arrests are made for those who attempt to protect their party flag.
The controversy surrounding the arrest of Amar Prasad Reddy continues to unfold, with political parties and civil society engaging in a vigorous debate over the boundaries of democratic dissent and political manoeuvres in the state of Tamil Nadu.
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