In a controversial move that has sparked outrage, the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu has registered an FIR against a government-aided school for allegedly involving its students in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Coimbatore on March 18.
The decision to file the FIR has been widely criticised as an act of vindictiveness by the DMK government, aimed at stifling dissent and undermining democratic principles. The move comes despite the Madras High Court’s directive to allow the Prime Minister’s roadshow, emphasising the importance of democratic rights and the people’s mandate.
The roadshow, organised by the Prime Minister’s supporters, saw spontaneous and enthusiastic participation from the public, including families with children and infants. Despite initial objections raised by the DMK Government citing various concerns such as school exams, minority-dominated areas, and potential communal clashes, the Madras High Court ruled in favor of allowing the event, highlighting the fundamental right of the Prime Minister to interact with the citizens who elected him.
While the roadshow was initially planned for a 4-kilometer route, security concerns prompted authorities to reduce it to 2 kilometers. However, the event was hailed as a grand success, with people thronging the streets to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
The FIR against the school management has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with many condemning it as an attempt to suppress dissent and intimidate those who express support for the Prime Minister. Critics have pointed out the irony of the DMK government’s actions, noting instances where school children were compelled to endure harsh conditions during events organized by both DMK and AIADMK administrations.
In a similar vein, the Madras High Court had previously intervened to prevent authorities from forcing school children to attend centenary celebrations of former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran in 2017, underscoring the importance of safeguarding students’ rights and well-being.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly showing students alighting from school buses hours before the event have further fueled the controversy surrounding the FIR. However, it remains unclear whether the students’ participation was voluntary or coerced.
The Assistant Returning Officer of the Coimbatore Parliamentary Constituency, P. Suresh, issued a notice to BJP district unit president J. Ramesh Kumar on the 20th of this month. The notice was in response to the participation of school children in an election roadshow featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 18, seeking an explanation and a report regarding the breach of the model code of conduct.
Coimbatore’s District Elementary Education Officer, Punitha Anthoniyammal, conducted an inquiry into the incident and directed the management of the government-aided Sri Sai Baba Vidyalayam aided middle school to take strict action against the headmaster and staff. They were instructed to submit a detailed report within 24 hours.
The involvement of school children in the roadshow has sparked debates about the ethicality and legality of their participation in political events. Students, however, defended their presence, stating that they attended the event with the permission of their parents and considered it an educational opportunity to witness the Prime Minister of the nation. They emphasized that their participation transcended political affiliations and was driven solely by curiosity and a desire to learn.
In a related development, the DMK government’s District Education Officer for private schools sent a notice to the school management affiliated with the Chinmaya Vidyalaya group in Vadavalli and RS Puram. This notice was regarding the attendance of 22 students from three schools at the event. District Magistrate Kranti Kumar Pati affirmed that they had taken cognizance of the issue and launched inquiries aimed at scrutinising the involvement of children and the role of BJP functionaries in organising artistic performances by the students during the roadshow.
The DMK and its allies have raised objections to the participation of school children in political events, citing concerns about their exploitation for electoral purposes. However, critics have pointed out instances where the DMK itself has utilised children for political rallies and events.
In response to the allegations, the DMK has submitted a complaint to the Election Commission, alleging that the BJP used children for election-related activities. Organising Secretary RS Bharati further claimed that children below the age of 15 were coerced into wearing BJP insignia, reciting poems, and donning saffron robes, insinuating that their involvement was involuntary and politically motivated.
The DMK has lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging hate speech by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The party contends that Sitharaman’s remarks, accusing the DMK of misappropriating temple funds and undermining religion, constitute inflammatory rhetoric aimed at garnering votes.
Critics argue that the DMK’s actions stem from its inability to accept the success of recent events, including Prime Minister Modi’s roadshow and the growing popularity of BJP candidates like Annamalai. They highlight instances of DMK’s own exploitation of school students for political purposes, contrasting the party’s current stance with its past actions.
The controversy underscores the intense political climate in Tamil Nadu ahead of the elections, with parties vying for public support while engaging in accusations and counter-accusations. As tensions escalate, authorities are urged to ensure a fair and peaceful electoral process
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