Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling DMK government, accusing it of failing to address the long-pending demands of sanitation workers who have been staging protests across the State.Sanitation workers have intensified their agitation in Chennai, Cuddalore, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Tirupur, and several other districts, pressing for permanent employment, equal pay, and better service conditions. Many of them have cited the DMK’s poll assurance number 285, which promised regularisation of jobs.
Instead of engaging with the workers, the BJP leader alleged, the DMK government was resorting to force. “Sanitation workers have been holding continuous protests. But rather than resolving their grievances, the government has chosen to detain workers and target social activists who extend solidarity. This raises serious questions about its commitment to social justice,” Nainar said in a statement.
He also criticised Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing him of neglecting the working class. “During every election, promises were made to improve the lives of sanitation workers. But after coming to power, these workers have been ignored, and their hardships remain unaddressed,” he said.
Declaring BJP’s solidarity with the striking employees, Nainar warned that attempts to suppress the protests through force would backfire. “The BJP will stand by the sanitation workers of Tamil Nadu. If the government seeks to silence their voices instead of addressing their demands, it will face serious consequences,” he cautioned.
The protests by sanitation workers, which have been ongoing for the past week, continue to disrupt civic operations in several districts. Workers are demanding job regularisation, equal pay for equal work, and improved working conditions, which they argue are essential to dignity and social justice.