As India gears up to celebrate its 78th Independence Day, controversy has erupted in Tamil Nadu over the state government’s refusal to grant permission for a Tiranga rally, sparking criticism from various quarters. The Dravidian Stock/Model DMK government has denied requests for citizens to organize bike and cycle rallies to honor the national flag, citing concerns over traffic congestion and potential law and order issues.
This decision has drawn significant backlash, especially in light of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for the “Har Ghar Tiranga” campaign, urging citizens to make the national flag a symbol of pride by hoisting it at their homes. The Prime Minister took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to encourage the public to participate in this mass movement, even changing his profile picture to the Tricolour to set an example.
In contrast, the DMK government’s decision to block Tiranga rallies has been perceived by many as an affront to national pride. The Tamil Nadu police, in their denial letter, argued that the proximity of schools, shops, and the potential for traffic congestion on state highways were the primary reasons for refusing permission. They also expressed concerns about possible law and order issues that could arise from the event.
Only in Tamilnadu, National Flag procession can create law and order issue.
Law & Order is in dangerous condition. https://t.co/PiGJdMDEJO
— Selva Kumar (@Selvakumar_IN) August 12, 2024
This isn’t the first time the DMK government has faced criticism for its stance on such events. During the Amrit Kal Mahotsav, which marked the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, the DMK administration similarly denied permission for bike and cycle rallies, particularly in areas with significant minority populations. Critics argue that these decisions reflect a pattern of prioritizing local political considerations over national unity.
In a recent example, Natarajan, the town president of Gummidipoondi in the Thiruvallur district, requested permission from local police to conduct a Tiranga rally. The request was denied, with police citing concerns about the rally’s impact on students, local traffic, and potential disruptions on the state highway.
Ironically, the DMK government recently organized a large rally to commemorate the death anniversary of party leader M. Karunanidhi, which saw participation from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, cabinet ministers, MPs, including Kanimozhi, MLAs, and party cadres. The stark contrast in the government’s approach to these events has fueled accusations of bias and double standards.
On August 11, 2024, BJP Tamil Nadu President K. Annamalai publicly criticized the DMK government for denying permission to the BJP’s Tiranga Yatra in Coimbatore and Tirupur regions. Annamalai condemned the refusal as a “disdain for the national flag” and accused the DMK of undermining the spirit of Independence Day.
என்னங்க சார் உங்க சட்டம்?
தமிழக பாஜகவின் இளைஞரணி சார்பில் நடக்கவிருந்த சுதந்திர தின பேரணிக்கு, உப்பு சப்பில்லாத பல்வேறு காரணங்களைக் கூறி அனுமதி தர மறுத்துள்ளது திராவிட மாடல் அரசு..
உங்கள் குடும்பத் தலைவரின் நினைவு தினத்திற்கு, பேரணியாக அணிவகுக்கலாம், ஆனால், தேசத்தின் சுதந்திர… pic.twitter.com/tHHS9RFQv2
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) August 12, 2024
In a separate incident, the police have filed a case against individuals who vandalised the flagpole at a government school near Kandamangalam in Villupuram district. At the Panchayat Union Primary School in Rasamuthirapalayam village, Villupuram district, teachers were busy with the process of repairing the flagpole in preparation for Independence Day celebrations. However, some anti-social elements targeted the school overnight and damaged the recently repaired flagpole. Following the complaint, the police have initiated an investigation to identify and address those responsible for the vandalism.
https://t.co/ExQRgvkdO8#AntiSocialElements #flagpolebroken #villupuramofficial #villupuramcity #TNGovt #tngovtschools
— Kamadenu (@KamadenuTamil) August 13, 2024
In Tirupur also, police denied permission for a rally which was to be flagged off by Annamalai.
It is pertinent to mention here “Tirupur Kumaran, an Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter who participated in the Indian independence movement, was the founder of the Desa Bandhu Youth Association. On the 11th January, 1932, when the British started lathi charges against the protestors, Kumaran didn’t leave the premises and aught in the beatings. Though he succumbed to injuries, he was found dead holding the flag.
Critics say “the denial of permission raises concerns about whether we are living under a regime reminiscent of colonial rule or Pakistan. It is widely acknowledged that the Justice Party and its successor, the Dravidar Kazhagam, had historically favoured continued British rule in India. Now the actions of the DMK government seem to echo this legacy”.
A. Krishna Prasath, the Coimbatore district secretary of BJP Yuva Morcha has move High Court challenging an order from the Coimbatore Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – North issued on 10 August 2024, which had denied permission for the rally on several grounds. Youth wing planned bike rallies across the state on 15th. Admitting the petition, Justice G Jayachandran adjourned matter to 14th (today) for the police to file its response. Advocate Rs Paul Kanagaraj, counsel for BJP, said permission has been denied citing ongoing construction works for roads and flyovers.
Bike rallies by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in various places across Tamil Nadu on Independence Day can be permitted if they would not cause public disturbance, says Justice G Jayachandran of #MadrasHighCourt Decides to pass orders tomorrow @THChennai https://t.co/avKJSqoDMF
— Mohamed Imranullah S (@imranhindu) August 13, 2024
In Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district, BJP workers were arrested when took out a rally defying the police order. They proceeded with the rally travelling from Bavadi Thoppu through Kasukkadai Bazzar and Marakadai Bazar before arriving at Vellakottai. There was a tension following their arrest.
பிரதமராக வேண்டும் என்ற கனவு.
தேசியக் கொடி எடுத்தால் கைது.
கனவுப் பிரதமர் பாரதத்தின் தேசியக் கொடியை ஏற்றுவாரா? தூற்றுவாரா?
தேசிய உணர்வைச் சிதைக்கும் திராவிடத்திடம் இருந்து#தமிழகம்_மீட்போம் pic.twitter.com/Cte1WSVadF— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) August 13, 2024
On August 12, 2024, members of the BJP youth wing were arrested in Trichy while staging a bike rally with the national flag celebrating “Har Ghar Tiranga”. The rally was intended to travel from Major Saravanan Memorial Square to the home of freedom fighter VVS Iyer in Varaganeri as part of the nationwide Independence Day celebrations. However, the city police denied permission for the event, warning that participating vehicles would be confiscated and legal action would be taken. Despite the police prohibition, the BJP carried out their modified rally. Gautham Nagarajan told media “We requested permission from the Sessions Court police station in Trichy on 11 August 2024, but it was refused. We decided to proceed with the rally regardless. It raises questions about whether Tamil Nadu is governed by the Dravidian model or the British system, given the stringent controls on Independence Day celebrations.”
in a related matter, Justice G Jayachadran of Madras HC, while an advocate mention that he would file a petition soon on behalf of resident welfare associations that were facing police resistance not to hoist national flags in their apartments. The Judge observed that if anyone prevents people from hoisting National tri colour flag, they should be booked under Goondas Act. Police should give protection to apartment to hoist national flag on 15th. He said denying permission is a dishonour to the National Flag. None can stop this. If police fails to take action, then approach court for action on Police.
He said police should give permission to the organisers with conditions that they should not do anything to dishonour the National Flag and inform earlier their route of the rally. The Justice said denying permission to this is against tenets of basic (fundamental) rights.
