Chennai, Sept 15:
Erode district police have clarified that permission was granted for a procession to mark the 148th birth anniversary of Thanthai Periyar on September 17, dismissing reports that the event had been denied permission.
The clarification came amid political criticism over reports concerning permission for processions planned to mark the birth anniversaries of Periyar and former Chief Minister C N Annadurai. Police said the Dravidar Kazhagam had submitted a petition seeking permission to hold the procession and pay respects to Periyar in Erode.
In a press release, the police said the permission had been granted and necessary proceedings issued. They described reports claiming that permission had been denied for the Erode procession as completely false.
However, police documents show that permission was denied for a separate procession planned in Gudiyatham on September 15 to mark Annaduraiās 118th birth anniversary. The order cited law-and-order concerns, including Vinayagar Chaturthi-related events and processions scheduled around the same period.
The issue had triggered criticism from DMK leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who questioned the reported denial of permission. AMMK general secretary TTV Dhinakaran had also criticised the reported decision, alleging that it exposed the TVK governmentās position on Periyar.
The Erode police clarification, however, made it clear that permission for the Periyar birth anniversary procession had been granted.