Coimbatore, Nov.30
Tamil Nadu Government should own the responsibility for young software engineer Ragupathy’s death as it was caused by the structure that was erected by the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) for an arch for the MGR centenary celebrations, Working President of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) M.K. Stalin said here today.
He was on a visit to Coimbatore to offer condolence to the family of former DMK Minister Pongalur N. Palanisamy following the death of his brother’s daughter Dr. Vidhya Gokul.
In a sudden development, Mr. Stalin visited the home of Ragupathy at Chinniampalayam here and offered condolence to his parents. He spent some time talking to them and other family members. Later speaking to reporters, he said it was shocking to learn the death of Ragupathy, who should have been a groom shortly.
“It is known that the ruling party was continuing with the banner and flex culture in spite of the High Court ban. This was evident even during the opening of the Gandhipuram flyover. People are aware that balloons bearing the name of the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister were made to fly on the same occasion,” he said.
He pointed out how he had instructed the DMK cadre not to cause any hindrance to the public, and those who did not follow this would be pulled up. “DMK cadre are following this strictly,” he added.
“Ragupathy ran into the pole structure when he came to the edge of the road to avoid the tipper lorry and lost his life. I am very happy to learn about today’s ruling of the High Court to remove all banners that have been put up for the centenary celebrations. This is in response to the petition filed by DMK MLA N. Karthik," Mr. Stalin pointed out.
He hoped that all the banners would be removed soon.