Chennai, March 3 (IANS). The Tamil Nadu unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government. The party alleged that demonstrations in support of Iran were allowed in the state despite a security alert from the central government.
BJP’s Tamil Nadu spokesperson A.N.S. Prasad said in a statement that the DMK government allowed its allies, including Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Left parties, to organize a protest in Chennai on March 1 against the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
According to reports, the protesters also tried to march towards the US Consulate in the city. The BJP claimed that these protests took place at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a visit to Tamil Nadu and on February 28, an alert was issued by the Union Home Ministry to the states to remain alert in view of the rising tensions in West Asia.
Prasad said, “The stand of the Government of India represents that of 140 crore Indians. No regional party can weaken national unity for electoral gains.” He alleged that such demonstrations could affect communal harmony and law and order in the state.
BJP leader Thol VCK chief. Accusing Thirumavalavan and the Left parties of “selective outrage”, he said that they remain silent on matters related to Indians and Hindus abroad, but are vocal in condemning the attacks on Iran. According to him, this is an example of “vote-bank politics”.
The BJP also urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to issue clear instructions to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director General of Police to ensure strict maintenance of law and order.
However, DMK and its allies have not given any official response to these latest allegations by BJP. Leaders of the ruling coalition have previously defended their right to democratically protest on international issues, saying peaceful demonstrations are part of political expression.
The dispute has come to light at a time when global tensions are rising following military developments in West Asia and security advisories have been issued in several Indian states.
–IANS
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