DMK under fire after ruining footpaths for meeting

Outpouring of anger on social media after banners, flags and cut-outs were found erected at several places; will repair damage, says party MLA

Damaging effect: DMK party flags put up on the roadside in Anna Nagar and at right, a gaping hole on pavement.

The DMK came under fire from residents and netizens for damaging footpaths in Kilpauk and Anna Nagar, including new pedestrian pathways built by the Chennai Metro Rail.

While the party is protesting against the ruling government on various counts, it was criticised for digging up the platforms and roads for hoisting party flags and cut-outs for its leader M.K. Stalin, who spoke at a public function in Anna Nagar on Saturday night.

Residents, pedestrians and social media erupted in anger at the continuing culture of putting up banners, flags and cut-outs, mostly along Poonamallee High Road.

S. Rajeswari, a commuter, was quick to notice it and cautioned her daughter to walk carefully. “How can they damage public property? Who gives them the right? What if my child accidentally falls, not noticing the hole?” she asked.

Another commuter, Vishnu Vardhan, said visually challenged persons could trip and fall easily because of the damaged footpath. “Political parties should be more sensitive to the needs of the public,” he said.

CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 17/06/2018: DMK party men had planted its party flags in many areas, Ruining the pedestrian platform. the had also damaged the newly laid platform Chennai Metro rail near pachaiyappa's college on Sunday. Photo: M. Vedhan.

 

The Madras High Court, in December 2017, had ruled that flex boards, temporary arches and banners were illegal, in a PIL incidentally filed by DMK MLA N. Karthik of the Singanallur constituency in Coimbatore, against hoardings, arches, flex boards and banners in that city during the MGR birth centenary celebrations. Mr. Stalin was speaking at a meeting to celebrate DMK president M. Karunanidhi’s 95th birthday.

On Saturday, a member of anti-corruption forum Arappor Iyakkam noticed the flags and immediately put out a tweet tagging DMK working president M. K. Stalin: “Thank you @mkstalin @arivalayam for breaking up all the new granite platforms from Ega Theatre to Koyambedu in Poonamallee High Road. We can imagine what your party will do if come to power. #OurPlatformOurRight”

Soon, social media platforms started shaming the DMK and its leaders for damaging public property.

DMK MLA J. Anbazhagan responded, saying: “As said, I will make sure everything is cleared in couple of days. This was not done by our cadres, it was by a contractor. Anyhow, I am in charge of this meeting; my team will rectify it at the earliest.”

Speaking to The Hindu , he said, “We will remove them tomorrow itself. Also, next time, we will ensure this doesn’t happen. Instead of planting them on platforms this way, we will use iron clamps so that there is no damage.”

Complaint filed

Jayaram Venkatesan, convener, Arappor Iyakkam, said they had filed a complaint with the Corporation and police in this regard. Though the law is very clear and has laid down instructions, no one follows it, he complained.

“Parties are supposed to represent people’s rights but they don’t care,” he said, adding that this cut-out and cult worship culture should go.

Metro Rail officials said they would assess the damage and decide on the course of action to be taken.