The upcoming general election is the last chance to safeguard democracy in India, said Dravidar Kazhagam leader K. Veeramani on Tuesday (9th April 2024 at the election propaganda public meeting at Ekkattuthangal in the South Chennai Lok Sabha Constituency).
Campaigning for DMK Chennai South candidate Thamizhachi Thangapandian, Veeramani says that he had seen 17 general elections, but the election on April 19 was more challenging as it was the last one to ensure that democracy continued to prevail in the nation and that the Constitution is protected.
Democracy is in the ICU and the leaders of the I.N.D.I.A. alliance are battling to save it. Prime Minister Modi is scared of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Veeramani said, charging Modi with doing little to prevent the harassment meted out to tribals of Manipur.
Veeramani who turned 91 in December, is the oldest leader campaigning in the general elections in Tamil Nadu. Accusing BJP of continuing to insult President Droupadi Murmu, belonging to the tribal community, Veeramani waved a photograph of Modi seated next to former deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani when Murmu conferred Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour to the veteran.
“On the other hand, Periyar ensured that then President V.V.Giri sat on a chair, while he and other leaders, including M. Karunanidhi sat on the floor when the former took part in the funeral of Rajaji”, the DK leader said.
Courtesy: ‘The Times of India’ 10th April 2024
Amidst the huge crowd at the funeral yard, Periyar saw V.V.Giri standing to pay respect to Rajaji. Periyar had left his wheel chair vacant and sat on the floor. He thought that the President of India in the highest position should not be standing. Hence he made V.V.Giri occupy the vacant wheel chair – Editor.