Sterlite protests: Tamil Nadu opposition calls for CM Palaniswamy's resignation

The chorus seeking the resignation of the ruling AIADMK government is getting louder with opposition parties in Tamil Nadu raising their voice in unison over the police firing that resulted in the loss of 13 lives in Thoothukudi since Tuesday.

DMK working president MK Stalin on Wednesday once again called for the resignation of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister EK Palaniswami after the killing of the protesters marching against the Sterlite Copper Smelting plant in Thoothukudi.

Stalin who cancelled his Bengaluru trip for the swearing-in ceremony of the Congress-JD(S) coalition government led by HD Kumaraswamy in Karnataka visited the injured in the firing incident at the government hospital in Thoothukudi. Talking to reporters at the airport, the DMK leader reiterated his demand, seeking the resignation of the Chief Minister and the ouster of the Tamil Nadu DGP.

Stalin also sought to know who ordered police firing on the protesters who were demanding the closure of Vedanta's Sterlite Copper unit over pollution concerns. Meanwhile, the DMK and other parties have announced state-wide protest demonstrations on May 25 to be held in front of all district headquarters. This is to condemn the ruling AIADMK for opening fire on protesters and also demanding permanent closure of the Sterlite plant.

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss also asked for Palaniswamy’s resignation. “What happened in Thoothukudi is a cold-blooded murder by police. Taking moral responsibility, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami should resign,” he demanded.

CPI(M) state secretary K Balakrishnan also asked the chief minister who held the home ministry to take responsibility and step down. Balakrishnan who launched a relay fast seeking action against the district collector, superintendent of police and other officials for firing was arrested by the police on Tuesday afternoon and released in the evening.

Meanwhile, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth had tweeted a video condemning the state government and the police for the firing. In it, he said, "I severely condemn the Government’s apathy, the failure of all the departments including the investigative department and the Police department’s violent, lawless, brutal acts. My deepest condolences for those who’ve lost their families.”