Parties protest against Purohit

Try to lay siege to Raj Bhavan; 600 people detained

Upping the ante: MDMK leader Vaiko addressing protesters outside the Raj Bhavan on Monday.

MDMK leader Vaiko led a protest by opposition parties near the Raj Bhavan on Monday, urging Governor Banwarilal Purohit to immediately approve the release of the seven persons convicted of assassinating former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, as per the recommendation made by the Tamil Nadu government.

Cadres of various parties, including the principal opposition party, the DMK, took part in the agitation.

Mr. Vaiko and fellow opposition leaders were detained as they attempted to lay siege to the Raj Bhavan. Around 600 people, including 50 women, were detained on Race Course Grounds till 5 p.m., after which they were released.

The MDMK leader criticised Mr. Purohit for having approved the release of three AIADMK cadre convicted in the Dharmapuri bus burning case on the ground that the convicts’ actions were not premeditated, but refusing to clear the file pertaining to the Rajiv Gandhi case convicts.

“Would he have released the three convicts (AIADMK cadre) if the three girls (who were charred to death in the bus burning incident) were his granddaughters?” he asked.

“On the other hand, he hasn’t released the seven convicts who have been languishing in prison for several years,” he said. The next course of action would be determined after consulting DMK president M.K. Stalin, the MDMK leader said.

‘Brothers of Tamils’

Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani said the seven convicts were “brothers of the Tamils” and urged the Governor to leave Tamil Nadu. VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan alleged that the actions of the Governor, who was appointed by the BJP government at the Centre, were against the interests of Tamils.

Another agitation

Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi leader T. Velmurugan said that the decision taken by the State government should be honoured by the Governor. He also announced a protest in front of the Raj Bhavan on December 7.

CPI leader R. Mutharasan, DMK MP T.K.S. Ilangovan and Saidapet MLA M. Subramanian, CPI(M) leader Pakkiyam and representatives of various organisations participated in the stir.