Under the current DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu, accusations of targeted arrests, filing false cases, invoking the Goondas Act, and monitoring social media for dissent against the Chief Minister and his family surface. The latest incident involves the prevention of a prominent RSS functionary from joining a route march.
As the RSS route march kicks off from Nachiyarkoil in Woraipur police station limits in Tiruchi, police arrest Vellore Ibrahim and seven others near the BJP office, citing preventive measures. The march winds through Main Guard Gate, Chathiram Bus Stand, Karur Bypass, concluding at Annamalai Nagar, with hundreds of RSS Swayamsevaks in attendance.
In a video shared by Vellore Ibrahim, he is seen engaged in a sit-in protest outside the district party headquarters, arguing with the police about the right to participate in the route march. Ibrahim asserts his status as a swayam sevak and questions Chief Minister Stalin’s stance on Muslims participating in RSS activities.
Tensions escalated as police attempted to enter the BJP office, resisted by Ibrahim and others. A verbal altercation ensues, leading to the arrest of Ibrahim and seven associates. BJP officials intervened, urging the police not to enter the office, adding fuel to the growing controversy.
#அநீதியாக_கைது_செய்யும்_காவல்துறை@BJP4TamilNadu நிர்வாகிகள் மீது அடக்கு முறையை மேற்கொள்ளும் @tnpoliceoffl #RSS தேசபக்தர்களின் பேரணியில் #இஸ்லாமியர்கள் கலந்து கொள்வதை பொறுக்க முடியாத @arivalayam அரசு,
மத நல்லிணக்கத்தை சீர்குலைக்க முயற்சி செய்கிறாரா திரு @mkstalin ?… pic.twitter.com/PbdFraVPBR— Syed Ibrahim (@syedibrahimbabl) November 19, 2023
Ibrahim showed his displeasure by stating, “No sir, we are just going to shower petals there. Is there no safe place in this Tiruchi city? The route is about 4 kilometre long; now you can let us gather near a temple or a Hindu majority area and let us shower petals. You are scared that if we gather near a Muslim-dominated area, then some terrorist or extremist attacks can occur. Okay, let’s not gather there; let’s go near a temple or a church. Why are you wasting your time arresting me? Allow us to go; don’t oppress us. Is being a nationalist a sin?”
#இஸ்லாமியர்கள்_RSS பேரணியில் கலந்து கொள்வதை தடுக்கும் @tnpoliceoffl அராஜக போக்கு,
ஜனநாயகத்தின் குரல்வலையை நெறிக்கிறாரா @CMOTamilnadu ?@BJP4TamilNadu @BJP4India @annamalai_k @KesavaVinayakan pic.twitter.com/Yyw7lsoK1w— Syed Ibrahim (@syedibrahimbabl) November 19, 2023
Vellore Syed Ibrahim, a national secretary of BJP’s minority wing, alleges a fascist mentality within the DMK government, claiming denial of fundamental rights and preventive arrest over participation in RSS marches.
Vellore Ibrahim condemned the DMK government, asserting that the denial of his fundamental right to participate in the rally and the subsequent preventive arrest showcase a fascist mentality. He questions the Chief Minister’s commitment to democracy, urging the police to act in accordance with the law rather than aligning with the government’s agenda.
Ibrahim criticizes the police’s collaboration with the DMK government, stating, “Your activities by siding with DMK government are bringing disrepute and a bad name to the police force.” He emphasises the need for law enforcement to act impartially and uphold democratic values.
Speaking to the media, Ibrahim outlined his role in promoting awareness of BJP government schemes and fostering religious harmony among Hindus, Muslims, and Christians. He rejects canvassing in specific areas or entering Muslim-dominated spaces to avoid communal tensions, emphasising the party’s commitment to unity.
Ibrahim alleges a deliberate misinformation campaign by the DMK, DK, VCK’s Thirumavalavan, and other “dangerous fascist forces” against the RSS. He disputes the portrayal of RSS as a terrorist organisation, accusing leaders like Stalin and Thirumavalavan of spreading lies that create fear among Christians and Muslims.
Vellore Ibrahim defended the RSS, highlighting its active role in humanitarian efforts during crises such as the tsunami and the COVID-19 pandemic. He underscores the organization’s message of unity, asserting, “All that they propagate is that we are all children of Bharat Mata, there should be no religious discord among us, and we must fight against atheist propaganda.”
Ibrahim challenges Chief Minister Stalin’s narrative that RSS marches are dangerous for Muslims and Christians, pointing out the Supreme Court’s permission for the events. He reveals his participation in previous marches and criticizes the government’s consistent petitioning against them, citing concerns about potential riots and other issues.
Vellore Ibrahim places the blame on Chief Minister Stalin, accusing him of pressuring the TN Police to prevent RSS marches. He asserts that Muslims and Christians participating in the marches convey the truth to the public, challenging the government’s narrative that everything is stable. Ibrahim alleges that arrests and denials of participation aim to prevent questions about the government’s decision to halt RSS marches.
He questions the persistent police claim of potential riots or extremist attacks if he participates, criticizing the government’s inaction in ensuring security. Ibrahim condemns Chief Minister Stalin for the perceived inefficiency in handling the law and order situation, urging citizens to question the government’s actions.
#PRESS_MEET #RSS தேசபக்தர்களின் பேரணியில் இஸ்லாமியர்கள் கலந்து கொள்வதை பொறுக்க முடியாத @arivalayam அரசு.@BJP4TamilNadu @annamalai_k @HMOIndia @PMOIndia pic.twitter.com/R5rfkClLZN
— Syed Ibrahim (@syedibrahimbabl) November 19, 2023
The ‘DMK government police claim “the arrested persons attempted to participate in the route march without providing any prior notification to the authorities ( why should they? They are RSS cadres and in full gana vesh). The arrested ones were temporarily held in a private hall and subsequently released after a few hours”.
The incident in Tiruchirapalli adds to the growing concerns over the alleged suppression of opposition rights in Tamil Nadu. As accusations mount against the Dravidian Stock government, the arrest of Vellore Ibrahim during the RSS route march raises questions about the broader landscape of political freedoms in the state. The BJP’s claims of interference and the denial of a fundamental right to participate in a peaceful rally add to the ongoing political tensions in the region.
