Chennai Fishermen Stage Black Flag Protest Against DMK MLA Over Broken Promises
In a significant display of discontent, more than 100 fishermen from the Srinivasapuram area on Marina Beach in Chennai showed black flags to DMK MLA Mylai D Velu, who is currently seeking re-election from the Mylapore constituency. The protest occurred during Velu's visit to the area, highlighting growing frustration among the local fishing community.
MLA Accuses Opposition of Orchestrating Protest
MLA Mylai D Velu responded to the protest by alleging that it was not a genuine expression of fishermen's grievances. He claimed the demonstration was orchestrated by the AIADMK and BJP, stating that these parties had "sent their partymen to masquerade as fishermen." Velu asserted that real fishermen would not be misled by such groups, emphasizing his connection with the community.
Unfulfilled Housing Promises Spark Anger
The core issue driving the protest centers on unfulfilled housing commitments. Residents of the Loop Road along Marina Beach, which comprises about nine blocks housing approximately 20,000 fisherfolk, expressed anger over Velu's failure to honor his promise of constructing 1,100 houses for fishermen at the same location. During his Wednesday visit, protesters did not allow him to enter a local temple, underscoring their rejection of his representation.
K Bharathi, president of the South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, provided detailed context. He explained that the community has been living on a 29-acre land in the area for decades. "The previous AIADMK government built houses for 400 of the 1,100 families. The incumbent MLA promised to build houses for the remaining families, but we didn't get anything," Bharathi stated, highlighting the broken pledge.
Broader Grievances Against Government Actions
Beyond housing, Bharathi outlined additional grievances against the DMK government's policies. He reported that the administration removed all vendors from Light House to the fish market and relocated their boats, transforming the beach into a tourism hotspot. This move has disrupted the traditional fishing ecosystem.
"The government promised not to disturb the fishermen ecosystem in Loop Road when AIADMK was trying to remove us. In the last five years, several fishermen were arrested. I myself spent 22 days in Puzhal for protesting against the removal of our stalls," Bharathi revealed, pointing to alleged hypocrisy and repression.
Political Reactions and Election Context
The protest has drawn reactions from political opponents, adding fuel to the electoral fire. BJP's Mylapore candidate, Tamilisai Soundarajan, commented on the situation, saying, "In 2021, the MLA gave promises for housing, but the people were deceived." This statement aligns with the fishermen's accusations and positions the issue as a key point of contention in the upcoming election.
The Marina Beach area, a vital hub for Chennai's fishing community, continues to be a flashpoint in local politics, with residents demanding accountability and action on long-standing commitments.
