Chennai: Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president Manickam Tagore on Friday defended his party’s demand for a share in the state government, alleging that Congress workers had faced “humiliation” and a lack of respect under the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government.
Speaking at a press conference, Tagore said the party’s participation in the government had enabled it to launch an independent flood relief operation ahead of the northeast monsoon.
“In the DMK government, we had no respect. Congress workers had no respect and were humiliated,” he said, adding that the party had sought a share in governance to secure greater respect for its workers.
The press conference also saw the launch of ‘Uthavum Kai’ (Helping Hand), a flood relief task force led by Killiyoor MLA Rajesh Kumar and coordinated by Chennai Corporation floor leader M S Draviyam. The initiative plans to deploy three volunteers across each of Chennai’s 200 wards and has announced a helpline, 7871004668. Similar relief centres are planned in Madurai and Tirunelveli.
Tagore also criticised the Union government’s economic policies, citing rising prices and alleged job losses in the IT and private banking sectors. Economist Anand Srinivasan highlighted increases in the prices of essential commodities and commercial LPG cylinders. Tagore also took a swipe at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over inflation and accused the Centre of favouring corporate interests.
Separately, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi on Friday criticised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government over law and order, alleging that murders and crimes against women and children continued to occur in Tamil Nadu without adequate preventive action.
Speaking to reporters after an educational loan distribution camp at a private college in Thoothukudi, Kanimozhi referred to the murder of a woman at her home in Muthalur near Sathankulam. She expressed concern over recurring crimes, questioned the police response to missing children cases and said people were experiencing insecurity despite assurances from the Chief Minister.
Kanimozhi also accused the government of failing to fulfil its election promises, describing it as a “Reels government”. She raised concerns over rising prices, drug abuse, power cuts, farmers’ difficulties and alcohol-related crimes.
Earlier, the DMK MP had condemned the arrest of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) woman leader Karthika, alleging that the TVK government was misusing police powers to target opposition figures and suppress dissent.
Kanimozhi claimed the case stemmed from a rail blockade protest during a by-election and alleged that women from opposition parties were being targeted over social media posts while complaints against those making derogatory remarks about women were not receiving adequate action.
(With agency inputs from ANI and PTI)