Thread by @savukku

Madras HC disposes of the PILs filed to ban the Vel Yatra by BJP by directing the government to take a decision in accordance with the prevailing pandemic situation and the representation of the petitioner Senthil Kumar. 1/n

Senthil Kumar in his petition has stated that “the potential communal disharmony the BJP’s Vel Yatra could cause is real and present. Given the past track record of BJP, and with elections round the corner, 2/n

there is every possibility that they may try to create trouble in areas where minorities are thickly populated. Further the culmination of the proposed rally by BJP is scheduled for 6th of December, 2020 the date of demolition of Babri Masjid. 3/n

It appears the date has been chosen by the BJP to foment communal tension and create a law and order situation.”

And court gives liberty to BJP to challenge the order denying permission for Vel Yatra.

If the government decides to reject permission on the eleventh hour, 4/n

BJP’s efforts will not fructify.

During the course of the arguments, government stated that there was a representation from a General Secretary of BJP on 15th October to DGP, seeking permission to conduct Vel Yatra. 5/n

On 17th October, DGP replied to BJP that they have to approach the concerned District SPs / CoPs for permission and also DGP instructed the district authorities to take a call on the request of the BJP taking into consideration the local conditions. 5/n

So far, the BJP has only approached the SP Thiruvallur for permission to commence the rally on 6th November.

With the government making its stand clear by categorially stating before the Court that it has been decided to deny permission to BJP’s Vel Yatra, the efforts 6/n

of TN BJP to foment communal tension and gain political mileage has come to a naught.

And credit goes to TN CM Edappadi Palanisamy for taking a firm stand in the welfare of the state much to the chagrin of his alliance partner. 7/7