Udhayanidhi Raises Objection Over Periyar, Anna Anniversary Rally Permissions

Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday criticised the police for denying permission for rallies planned to commemorate the birth anniversaries of social reformer Thanthai Periyar E.V. Ramasamy and former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. The DMK leader questioned the decision and alleged that authorities were applying different standards to political and social organisations seeking to conduct public processions in the state.

According to Udhayanidhi Stalin, the DMK had planned a rally in Erode, Periyar’s birthplace, on September 17 to mark his birth anniversary. Another programme was proposed in Gudiyatham to commemorate Annadurai, popularly known as ‘Perarignar Anna’. The Gudiyatham event was to be organised by the DMK along with several other political parties.

Udhayanidhi questioned why permission had allegedly been denied for the rallies while processions organised by right-wing groups were reportedly allowed in the state. He urged the government to reconsider the decision and grant approval for the proposed programmes, arguing that the events were intended to honour two figures who played major roles in Tamil Nadu’s social and political development.

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The Opposition leader also questioned the role of the state government in the police decision, noting that the police department functions under the Chief Minister. He asked why rallies commemorating Periyar and Anna were being prevented if the government itself repeatedly described the two leaders as ideological guides. Udhayanidhi also questioned whom the government was seeking to appease through the denial of permission.

Udhayanidhi further alleged that the decision raised questions about the independence of the state police and whether it was facing pressure from forces associated with saffron politics. He accused the government of political arrogance and alleged that it was failing to respect the legacy of Periyar and Anna. He said people in Tamil Nadu were closely observing the government’s actions and would judge what he described as its approach towards right-wing political interests.

Demanding an immediate reversal of the decision, Udhayanidhi said the proposed rallies should be permitted to take place peacefully in accordance with established regulations. He maintained that commemorating Periyar and Anna was closely connected with Tamil Nadu’s history of social justice, rationalism, linguistic pride and self-respect.

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