Are Fascist Tactics Being Used Against Sanitation Workers in Tamil Nadu?

Chennai, Aug 14 (NationPress) The President of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, has launched a fierce attack on the Tamil Nadu government, condemning the inhumane and violent arrests of sanitation workers who were peacefully protesting in Chennai.

In a forceful statement, Vijay accused the ruling DMK of resorting to “fascist” tactics to quash lawful demonstrations.

He claimed that during police operations late on Wednesday night, both male and female workers were forcibly dragged away, with numerous women either fainting or suffering injuries in the chaos.

The violence against these women, he asserted, is unacceptable for anyone with a sense of morality, and he demanded immediate medical care for the injured as well as measures to ensure their well-being.

Vijay further criticized the conditions under which the detained workers were held, asserting that they were denied the opportunity to reach out to their families or get assistance.

He questioned whether their strike was perceived as “anti-national,” asserting that this incident revealed that Tamil Nadu is being governed not through democratic means but through brutality.

He also reminded the DMK of the commitments made to the workers when the party was in opposition. “Why have you not yet fulfilled those promises? If you cannot keep your word, why make such declarations?” he queried.

Vijay demanded the immediate release of all detained workers and urged the government to designate an alternative space where they could continue their protest in peace.

The current agitation commenced earlier this month when sanitation workers from the Royapuram and Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar zones of the Greater Chennai Corporation initiated a sit-in outside the Corporation’s headquarters.

Their principal demands include job security, improved working conditions, and a reversal of plans to privatize conservancy operations in certain areas.

The workers argued that privatization would lead to job losses and further deteriorate their already unstable working conditions.

Various political groups, including the AIADMK, BJP, CPI(M), and Naam Tamilar Katchi, along with figures from the film industry, have expressed their support for the protest.

Despite this backing, tensions have escalated, with the Madras High Court recently ordering authorities to take action against protests in unauthorized locations.

The government’s late-night detentions of the workers have sparked renewed political backlash, with Vijay’s involvement increasing the pressure on the ruling party to address the ongoing dispute.