Chennai: Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami today said police had to use force during the anti-CAA protest at Washermenpet in the city on Friday as the agitators damaged public property and pelted stones, slippers and water bottles at the police.
He was replying to a question raised by Leader of Opposition M K Stalin about force used against the protestors. ”Why did not the Chief Minister or any Ministers went and met the protestors and held discussions with them? Police must give appropriate protection to the protestors. All cases filed against them should be withdrawn,” Stalin said.
Palaniswami said the protest was staged without proper prior permission and it created inconvenience to the public. ”An elderly man died of natural reasons during the night of the protest, but this was misinformed creating panic. Police had to use force only after they were subjected to attack. Those who were detained in a bus damaged the vehicle in which they were taken. Various rounds of talks were held with the leaders. Even yesterday night leaders from SDPI met met and gave a petition. Today morning around 150 members are still protesting. Appropriate protection has been given to them. Many protests have been held across the State and no untoward incidents have taken place. Miscreants are trying to create ruckus and people should not believe rumours. This government will always work for the benefit of the minorities,” he added.
DMK staged a walkout stating that they were not satisfied with the Chief Minister’s response. Earlier, speaking during the zero hour of the Assembly, Stalin requested the Speaker to allow a discussion about CAA and to pass a resolution against the Act.
However, Dhanapal said that he had already given in writing that CAA cannot be discussed in the Assembly. ”I have already rejected the request and it cannot be brought back again. No one can force the Speaker to take up a subject. However, the incidents that have unfolded during the anti-CAA protest in Washermenpet can be discussed,” he said.
Meanwhile, speaking during the question hour of the Assembly, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Durai Murugan said, ”the State government should pass a resolution about declaring Cauvery delta as protected special agricultural zone. Permission should not be given to any company including Vedanta group to work in the delta regions.”
Responding to this, the Chief Minister said that DMK which is the third largest party in the Parliament should voice out about this in the Lok Sabha and get the approval for the announcement.
The Assembly met today, two days after the budget for the year 2020 was tabled by Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on 14 February.