Anbumani questions CM over handling of conservancy workers’ protest

PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to stop portraying himself as a saviour of conservancy workers after ignoring their protests for 12 days. Also, allowing police to use “highhanded approach” while removing the protestors outside the Rippon Buildings in Chennai on Wednesday night.

In a statement, he said the demands placed by the conservancy workers were ordinary and justified and there are no obstacles before the Chennai Corporation and State Government to fulfil them.

“They are demanding permanent jobs for those who have been working for more than 10 years and want an end to privatisation of garbage clearance. They want the Corporation to be involved in overseeing of garbage clearance. However, Chief Minister wants to honour the ₹2300 crore contract awarded to the private company with people’s tax money. These are the workers who go in advance and clean the place where CM Stalin is visiting on official duty,” he said.

In an effort to divert attention from the police action, CM Stalin has announced certain schemes for the benefit of conservancy workers.

“He tried to create a perception as though these are given especially for them. If conservancy workers’ demands are fulfilled, they don’t have to depend on morning breakfast scheme and they can fulfill their needs by themselves. The worst part of the ‘drama’ that ensued is the ‘arranged’ meeting between conservancy workers and CM to ‘thank him’. We have seen such playacting since the days of Kalaignar (former CM M Karunanidhi),” he said.

Meanwhile, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi founder and Chidambaram M.P., Thol. Thirumavalavan, said the opposition parties are trying to use the protests of the conservancy workers to strain the ties between DMK-VCK alliance and asked why the AIADMK government has not responded to the allegations

Responding to the criticism of BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan that VCK has not acted in the interest of the protesters, Mr. Thirumavalavan said he has been in close contact with the protesters and speaking to Ministers and the Chief Ministers himself.

“It is laughable that those who just showed their face at the protest are criticising the VCK which has been constantly in touch with the protesters. The intention seems to be to use the protests for political reason, not to ensure justice for the protesters. And, it is also not acceptable to say that I should be the one speaking for the protesters. Why didn’t AIADMK speak about it? AIADMK passed G.O. 152 which started the process of privatisation of various zone. I am not defending DMK, but why can’t ask questions of the AIADMK,” he said.