DMK president M.K. Stalin on Monday warned that a “massive protest” would be launched if the government refuses to drop its decision to build a new Secretariat at Pattinapakkam in Chennai.
In a statement, Stalin said fishermen’s associations met him seeking DMK support, alleging that the proposed project would threaten their habitat and livelihoods. He said the DMK would fully back the ongoing fishermen’s protests and stand with them until the government withdraws the plan.
Stalin argued that there are several alternative locations for a Secretariat. He pointed to the Omandurar Government Estate complex, built during the tenure of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for Secretariat use, and suggested that the hospital currently functioning there could be shifted elsewhere if needed, allowing the complex to be used again as the Secretariat.
He also cited reports claiming the site was chosen so the Chief Minister’s office could face the sea, allegedly based on an astrologer’s advice, and said it was unacceptable for thousands of fishermen to be affected for an individual’s preference. Stalin further said the area has many schools and already faces heavy traffic congestion, warning that a Secretariat there would cause hardship to students and the public.
Noting that even the two Communist parties that supported the government have expressed opposition, Stalin said it was “shocking” that the administration was persisting despite protests. He cautioned that if construction continues “with arrogance,” the DMK would join fishermen and lead a major agitation.
