New Delhi:
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday took exception to the comments passed by actor Rajnikanth that ‘anti-social elements’ had ‘infiltrated’ the anti-sterlite protests in Tuticorin recently.
Narayanasamy said Rajnikanth should come out with proof in support of his allegation that anti-social elements had edged into the anti-sterlite movement held in May.
"Without showing any proof he should not make such off the cuff comments as it would only hurt the sentiments of the people and others who had protested against the copper smelter plant in Tuticorin, posing threat to the environment," the Chief Minister said.
However, he suspected that the 67-year-old actor could have been giving comments as per the guidance of ‘some persons.’
After the firing by the police on anti-sterlite protesters that shook the entire nation as 13 people died, Rajnikanth should not have made such comments, he said.
"The actor should withdraw his views if he is magnanimous.. None would accept the Superstar's views on the stir," he added.
Rajinikanth had on May 30 visited Tuticorin and met some of the persons injured in the violence during the protest demanding the closure of Sterlite factory there.
"Some anti-social elements infiltrated... (the protesting locals). It is their handiwork," he had said and expressed grief that 'this noble protest' had ended on a bloody note.
The residents of Tuticorin were protesting for the closure of the factory for 99 days.
Agitators turned violent on May 22, the 100th day of their protest against the copper unit, and 13 people were killed in police action on May 22 and 23.
On the by-election results for 4 Lok Sabha and 10 assembly seats in the country, Narayanasamy said it showed that the parties coming under the secular front had greater sway and added if they unite 'it would be easy to defeat the BJP in the 2019 Parliamentary polls.'
The senior Congress leader while reacting to the NDA government’s policy in fixing fuel prices said that the policy alone would be enough for the BJP to suffer a landslide defeat in the next general elections.
