Opposition leaders hit streets, people in banks on stir day

Normal life remained unaffected in Tamil Nadu as shops, schools, colleges, transport services, private and government organisations functioned normally, despite the joint call given by the Opposition parties in New Delhi to conduct protests across the country on Monday.  Stalin led the DMK’s protest in front of Indian Bank near the Collector’s office. Stalin along with several DMK leaders, including former Union Minister TR Baalu and former state ministers were arrested for staging the agitation. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief Thirunavukkarasar along with several Congress leaders was arrested for staging a similar protest in front of the Anna Salai post office. Police sources said about 300 congress workers, including 50 women, were arrested. Thirunavukkarasar was arrested along with former TNCC Chiefs KV Thangkabalu, M Krishnasamy former MP JM Haroon, former MLA Peter Alphonse and Congress functionaries including Roypuram Mano for staging the agitation. Protests were also held in front of the SBI branch in Nungambakkam in which leaders of Left parties, including Ramakrishnan (CPI-M), Mutharasan (CPI), along with the members of VCK took part.

Leading his party’s charge here, Stalin lashed out at the Narendra Modi government for the manner in which the demonetisation is being implemented, saying it had crippled almost all sectors. “They got votes promising development, but made this sudden announcement which has crippled the development of all sectors,” he said.