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VCK Leader Backs Court Ruling: Why Roadshow Bans Could Save Democracy

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan has thrown his weight behind the Madras High Court's decision to regulate political rallies. He argues that massive roadshows have turned dangerous, citing the Karur incident where 41 people died. The MP believes these events create an unfair advantage for wealthy parties over smaller political groups. He suggests replacing physical roadshows with social media campaigns for safer, more equitable elections.

Key Points: Thirumavalavan Supports Madras HC Political Rally Regulations

  • VCK leader supports court's move to regulate political rallies and public gatherings
  • Roadshows endanger lives and disrupt normal civic life in cities and towns
  • Massive rallies create unequal playing field favoring wealthy political parties
  • Thirumavalavan suggests using social media instead of physical roadshows for campaigns
2 min read

VCK leader Thirumavalavan backs Madras HC's decision to regulate political rallies, calls for ban on 'roadshow' campaigns

VCK leader Thirumavalavan endorses Madras High Court's political rally regulations, calls for complete ban on roadshows citing safety concerns and democratic equality.

"People are no longer gathering out of conviction but are being treated as exhibition objects - Thol Thirumavalavan"

Chennai, Nov 6

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder leader and Member of Parliament Thol Thirumavalavan, on Thursday, extended full support to the Madras High Court's move to regulate political rallies and public gatherings, saying that the unchecked proliferation of massive roadshows and rallies in recent years has endangered lives, distorted democratic equality, and turned people into "mere electoral commodities".

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Thirumavalavan said that organising the masses and mobilising them politically through rallies, meetings, and demonstrations has been a long-standing tradition in India -- both before and after Independence.

However, he cautioned that the current trend of artificially assembling large crowds, often for political display or personality worship, has led to dangerous consequences.

"People are no longer gathering out of conviction or political awareness but are being treated as exhibition objects by parties that spend crores to bring them together. In Tamil Nadu, we have witnessed rallies where thousands were made to stand under the scorching sun for hours, even resulting in deaths -- as seen in the tragic Karur incident where 41 people lost their lives," he said.

Thirumavalavan added that roadshows in small towns and major cities have disrupted normal life, causing both material losses and fatalities.

"Parties with deep pockets use these events to project influence, while smaller parties without financial means are left at a disadvantage. This undermines the core of parliamentary democracy, which is founded on equal value for every vote -- one person, one vote," he said.

He welcomed the Election Commission's decision to restrict roadshows during election periods, urging that such measures be extended beyond campaign seasons as well.

"The roadshow model must be completely banned. Instead, political campaigns should focus on public meetings where voters can express their opinions freely," he suggested.

Emphasising that modern media has changed the nature of political communication, Thirumavalavan said that social and visual media should now be the primary means of campaigning.

He also urged the state government to evolve permanent mechanisms to curb hate speech, not only during election periods but at all times.

"Candidates should engage with the electorate through regulated media channels, not by crowding the streets or dividing people along caste and religious lines," he concluded.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I agree with regulating rallies, completely banning roadshows might be too extreme. Political parties need some way to connect directly with people. Maybe stricter regulations and safety measures would be better than an outright ban.
A
Arjun K
As someone who lives in Chennai, I can confirm how much roadshows disrupt daily life. Traffic comes to a standstill for hours, ambulances can't pass, and people lose business. This regulation is long overdue! 👍
S
Sarah B
The point about people being treated as "electoral commodities" really hits home. I've seen how political parties bus in people from villages just to show crowd strength. It's demeaning and wasteful of public resources.
K
Karthik V
Good move, but I hope this doesn't become another rule that's only enforced against smaller parties while the big players continue as usual. The Election Commission needs to be impartial in implementation.
M
Meera T
Focusing on social media campaigns is the way forward! Much more cost-effective and reaches wider audience without disrupting public life. Plus, it's more environmentally friendly than all those fuel-guzzling roadshows.

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