Former Madras High Court judge, Justice S.K. Krishnan, along with a few retired public servants and former TMC legislator Nallamuthu, joined the Congress party in Chennai on Thursday, in the presence of Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su. Thirunavukkarasar.
Explaining why he took the decision, Justice Krishnan told The Hindu that the voice of democracy was being squeezed by the Central government.
“In the current scenario, the Central government is routinely curtailing democratic rights such as freedom of speech and expression. Democratic freedoms are being snatched, and are not being allowed to flourish,” he said.
Even the economic reforms initiated by the Centre had an adverse impact on the lives of common people, he said, adding, “What was the point of demonetisation? The common people are struggling.”
The former judge felt that the people lived in relative peace and without social disturbances during the erstwhile Congress regime. “At an all-India level, I believe that the Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, can rectify these issues,” he said.
On dynasty charge
Asked about the oft-repeated criticism that the Congress was dominated by one family, he said, “Right from Nehru, the Gandhi family has worked for the development of the nation. They have been working for the country. So, I don't agree with it."
Justice Krishnan said Tamil Nadu needed a long-term vision to improve the lives of its people.
“At present, we don't know whether a government is in place in Tamil Nadu. They are merely prolonging their days. They have no long-term vision or plans to help the people. They only think about how to get votes from poor people by giving them short-term sops,” he said.