Statue row: Government threatens action against vandals

With Modi disapproving the acts of vandalism, the BJP government as well as the party moved swiftly to contain the damage with a severe warning against anyone desecrating statues. Raja, who had stirred up a hornet’s nest met party leader Amit Shah in New Delhi and expressed regret for his comments. He also said it was posted by his group admin without his knowledge. 

Singh’s comments came hours after the Home ministry declared that it had sent an advisory to all states and Union territories to take strong action against anyone involved in the destruction of statues. “I appeal to everyone, all parties, that anyone indulging in such acts should be dealt with strictly. These incidents can never be justified,” the Union Minister told reporters outside Parliament. 

Shah said, “I have spoken to the party units in both Tamil Nadu and Tripura. Any person associated with the BJP found to be involved with destroying any statue will face severe action from the party.” However, the BJP national president said no action would be taken against Raja since he had expressed regret. 

In Chennai, BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan expelled the party’s Tirupattur town secretary R Muthraman, who was arrested for damaging Periyar’s statue. However, protests against Raja’s comments were held at several places in the state and petrol bombs were hurled at the BJP office at Sithapudhur in Coimbatore.

Following the high court order to ensure safety of EVR Periyar statues across the state, a top police officer told DT Next that personnel have already been alerted. “Statues will be protected until the normalcy returns,” the officer added. With Modi’s intervention into the matter, officers believe the unrest will gradually subside in a day or two. 

The Madras High Court directed the State to ensure law and order and protect statues of all leaders in the State in view of the Periyar statue controversy. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice Abdul Quddhose made the observation on Wednesday, adding that the security of school children be given utmost importance.