Strongly condemning the practice of erecting cut-outs and banners obstructing free movement of the public, DMK Working President M.K. Stalin on Thursday accused the ruling AIADMK of flouting norms and showing scant regard for court orders. The Leader of the Opposition said that the government has also failed to follow various court orders imposing restrictions on erecting banners.
“The High Court had already ordered not to use pictures of living persons in banners and hoardings. But the ruling party flouted norms and displayed the photos of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister in giant balloons,” said Mr. Stalin, addressing media persons outside the house K. Ragupathy who was killed in a road accident in Coimbatore on Saturday, allegedly due to the obstruction caused by an arch erected for MGR centenary celebration at CMC junction on Avinashi Road.
Along with local leaders of the party, he consoled the family members of Ragupathy and spent some time with them.
Mr. Stalin said that he had issued strict orders to cadre and local leaders to abstain from the practice of erecting banners and cut-outs since he assumed charge as DMK working president.
“I had clearly asked cadre not to erect banners and cut-outs causing inconvenience to the public. But the ruling party, even after several court orders to the effect, is still keen on such fanfare,” said Mr. Stalin.
The DMK leader said that he was saddened by the death of Ragupathy and had immediately directed party’s MLA N. Karthik to file a petition before the High Court seeking action against the practice of erecting banners and hoardings causing disturbance to the public. Welcoming the favourable order obtained from the court, Mr. Stalin urged the government to enforce the same.
Earlier, he paid a condolence visit to the house of A. Arjunan, brother of former DMK Minister Pongalur N. Palanisamy, whose daughter Vidhya Gokul passed away on Monday. He also visited two other party leaders in Coimbatore.
