CHENNAI: Functionaries of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) staged a black-flag protest on Friday, opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the State for a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting, alleging that it was politically motivated and failed to address key issues affecting Tamil Nadu.
The protest was organised by TNCC members, who released black balloons, even pigeons tagged with black flags and raised slogans such as “Go Back Modi” during the Prime Minister’s visit in connection with the NDA alliance meeting held at Madurantakam. The protesters alleged that the visit was aimed solely at electioneering and not at addressing the genuine concerns of the people.
According to the protesters, the Centre has failed to provide adequate disaster relief funds to Tamil Nadu despite repeated representations. They also accused the Union government of weakening the guaranteed 100 days of employment under the rural jobs scheme, which they said had adversely affected rural livelihoods.
As a precautionary measure, the police detained several Congress leaders ahead of the protest. Among those detained was Congress Scheduled Caste Wing president MP Ranjankumar. Despite the detentions, TNCC members went ahead with the black balloon protest under the leadership of North Chennai district Congress president Delhibabu.
The protesters were later taken into custody and held for the day as part of preventive measures to maintain law and order during the Prime Minister’s visit.