The followers of Periyar EV Ramasamy came together on Sunday, December 23 in Trichy to hold a rally and conference against fascist regime and saffron politics prevalent in the country. Numbered in thousands, the participants vowed to ensure that Tamil Nadu remains free of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and other parties following right-wing ideology.
Pointing fingers at the Modi government, Dravida Kazhagam president K Veeramani said that attempts are being made to turn the southern state into “saffron land”. Several leaders underlined that religion and caste-based discrimination are on the rise and “Periyar Army” should work towards ending it. The rally ended at Uzhavar Sandhai grounds after the participants marched across different parts of the city.
Political parties like Dravida Kazhagam, Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam, and Dravida Iyakka Thamizhar Peravai, among others, participated in the rally, The Times of India reported. The event took place after the organisers approached the court as local police did not permit it initially.
Traditionally, the BJP has not been successful in Tamil Nadu. However, the saffron party has set its eyes on the 39 seats in the state ahead of Lok Sabha polls next year. Due to this reason, an increasing attempt is being made to create an atmosphere of communal hatred. Reports suggest that the BJP might ally with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for the elections.