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DMK Rejects Vijay’s Claims on Forests, College & Police
Actor-politician Vijay, while campaigning in Nagapattinam, alleged that the state government has failed to protect tidal forests, claimed there is no maritime college in the district, and accused police of imposing restrictions on his rallies that are not applied to national leaders.
Government’s Response
The ruling DMK countered these claims with a fact check:
- Tamil Nadu’s mangrove forest area has doubled from 45 sq km in 2021 to 90 sq km. Nagapattinam has 586 hectares of mangroves, while Mayiladuthurai has 521 hectares.
- The Tamil Nadu Dr. J. Jayalalithaa Fisheries University is already functioning in Nagapattinam, offering maritime and fisheries education.
- Police restrictions are standard. For instance, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Chennai in April 2024, nearly 20 conditions were imposed.
Vijay’s Reaction
Vijay dismissed the government’s clarification and asked Chief Minister MK Stalin, “Are you threatening me?” He insisted that his campaign faced harsher restrictions than others and highlighted issues concerning fishermen, Sri Lankan Tamils, and alleged political interference in his events.
