Updated: November 6, 2020 6:31:41 pm
The Vel Yatra is seen as an attempt by the BJP to consolidate Hindu votes in the state.
Tamil Nadu police arrested BJP state chief L Murugan and several party workers on Friday for launching the state-wide ‘Vel Yatra’ from Chennai despite being permission was denied in view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Thursday, the Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that it will not allow the saffron party to celebrate yatra across the state. The Attorney General had cited the pandemic situation and the government order issued against the concentration of the crowd to prevent the spread of the infection as reasons for denying the BJP permission. While the BJP made extensive preparations for the planned rally, the opposition parties had protested against it.
Murugan, Vel (spear) in hand, set out for Tiruttani this afternoon, where the month-long yatra was scheduled to begin.
Securing action against violators, Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said the government had denied assent to his ally due to the threat of a second wave of infection in the state, and advised them to cancel the event. in the interest of the people.
While the BJP was making great preparations for the planned rally, the opposition parties had protested against it.
However, National Secretary CT Ravi, Senior Leader H Raja and other BJP officials held talks at Murugan’s residence and decided to move towards Tiruttani.
While speaking to reporters, Murugan said that he has the constitutional right to worship and that he will address Tiruttani.
Raja, who was the former national secretary, threatened a statewide agitation if they were detained. He also questioned the government’s decision to deny permission for the Yatra but allow schools and universities to reopen amid the pandemic.
While speaking to reporters, Murugan said that he has the constitutional right to worship and that he will address Tiruttani.
In Nazarathpettai, on the outskirts of the city, an altercation broke out after police detained BJP officials. The police allowed only five vehicles to advance towards Tiruttani and asked the remaining workers to return to the city.
Meanwhile, about 500 police officers were deployed to Tiruttani to monitor the public order situation. Reports suggested that Prime Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has said the law will run its course.
The month-long rally, visiting six abodes of Lord Muruga and modeled after the rath yatra, was scheduled to start today from the Tiruttani temple in northern Tamil Nadu and culminate in the Tiruchendur temple in the southern part. of the state. The Vel Yatra is seen as an attempt by the BJP to consolidate Hindu votes in the state.
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