Vaiko condemns state for ‘evicting’ CPI leader

In a statement, Vaiko said, “Life of Nallakannu is filled with protests for people and at the age of 94 he was residing in a government rented house, but the government had insulted the leader and his contributions for the society.”

Nallakannu, along with descendants of Kakkan, were asked to move out of the government rented house in CIT Colony and the incident triggered various controversies. Leaders of opposition parties condemned the state government for the incident.

Vaiko recalled the career of Nallakannu as a freedom fighter and as a social reformer. “Nallakannu participated in the Quit India movement against Britishers in 1942 and after Independence he became a crusader for people’s cause. He was sent to prison for seven years for his progressive and rational thoughts,” said Vaiko.

He also said that Nallakannu played a crucial role to cull the caste violence in southern districts and even lost his father-in-law, but did not lose his composure. As part of people’s movement, he took Dalits to Vanamamalai temple near Nanguneri, in Tirunelveli district and made Dalits to walk in the streets of upper caste Hindus with slippers on.

He was awarded Ambedkar award by the state government and the cash price of Rs 1 lakh was donated to a farmers’ body. So, state government should express regret for sending out Nallakannu and should immediately arrange alternate house for him, demanded Vaiko.