The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has raised concerns regarding the Tamil Nadu government’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which they believe is discriminatory against emerging political parties. TVK’s General Secretary, K.G. Arunraj, voiced allegations that the guidelines favor established political factions while creating obstacles for newcomers.
Claims of Discriminatory Targeting
Arunraj emphasized that TVK has repeatedly encountered difficulties in obtaining approval for public gatherings. A recent instance involved an application to hold a meeting in Vellore on February 8, which was denied. The government cited a prior scheduled event with the Chief Minister at the same venue as the reason for rejection.
Concerns over Political Fairness
The party leader described the decision as arbitrary and representative of a broader pattern of discrimination against TVK. Arunraj noted that the SOP tends to prioritize recognized political parties, thus undermining the democratic principle of equal engagement opportunity for all groups.
- TVK’s request for a public meeting was denied due to a scheduled event with the Chief Minister.
- Guidelines disproportionately burden emerging parties compared to established ones.
- The party argues that these restrictions hinder direct public interaction.
Administrative Responsibilities and Event Approval
Aside from the issue of meeting approvals, Arunraj criticized the shifting of administrative responsibilities to political parties. He claimed the government and police require parties to manage not only the venue but also maintain order in surrounding areas—tasks traditionally managed by law enforcement.
Concerns About Event Organizing Guidelines
Furthermore, Arunraj opposed the stipulation that gatherings expecting over 50,000 participants must secure permission 30 days in advance. He argued that these excessive conditions not only restrict spontaneous political mobilization but also impose an unreasonable burden on parties.
Call for Revised Regulations
TVK asserts that the current SOP aims to curb its growth and obstruct its leadership from directly connecting with supporters. The party is calling on the Tamil Nadu government to amend these regulations to create a fair political environment. They warn that ongoing restrictions could be interpreted as attempts to inhibit democratic expression.
In summary, TVK’s ongoing challenges with the Tamil Nadu government’s SOP underscore significant issues regarding political equality and fair access to public engagement in the state.
