Thousands of DMK cadres, led by their leaders, staged demonstrations across the State against the government for its failure to resolve the power crisis.
Party leader M. Karunanidhi led the agitation in South Chennai, while general secretary took part at Tiruvallur district and treasurer M.K. Stalin at Kancheepuram.
Addressing the partymen, Mr. Karunanidhi said the issue had gone to the Madras High Court and the First Bench comprising Chief Justice M.Y. Eqbal and T.S. Sivagnam had directed the government to implement steps to handle the situation and posted the case for hearing after eight weeks for monitoring the progress.
“That the High Court will have to monitor whatever has been submitted before it goes to show the integrity of the state government,” he said.
Repudiating Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s assertion in the conference of district collectors and police officials that the law and order situation was being maintained well, Mr. Karunanidhi said this went against the reality as the State had witnessed 928 murders since the AIADMK assumed office.
“There were 768 burglaries, 476 chain snatchings and 480 robberies,” he said adding that the power cut had come in handy for burglars.
He said the presence of DMK men in large numbers in the protest was a proof that the false cases filed by the ruling party could not cow them down, as they were ready to face any situation.
“You have come here to bid adieu to the darkest government,” Mr. Karunanidhi said.