States »SoutPosted at: May 4 2021 2:36PM Amma canteen ransacked by DMKmen, name board reinstalled later on orders of Stlain, AIADMK, PMK condemn it
Chennai, May 4 (UNI) A group of DMK cadres ransacked one
of the Amma Canteens in the city today morning, triggering
protests and condemnation by AIADMK and the PMK.
As the video of the incident went viral, DMK MLA Ma Subramanian
said the DMKmen involved in the ransacking incident were suspended
from the party and the name board was reinstalled on the orders of
DMK Chief M K Stalin, who will soon assume office as Chief Minister
for the first time.
The DMK men barged into the Amma Canteen at JJ Nagar broke
the name boards and threw the vegetables on the ground, police
sources said.
Three women staff, who are working in the canteen, watched the
incident helplessly as the DMK men also threw a photo of late
leader J Jayalalithaa on the ground.
The incident occurred two days after the DMK stormed back to power
after a gap of ten years, winning the April six Assembly elections by
securing a majority.
The AIADMK uploaded a video of the incident in its twitter and it went
viral on the social media, following which about 50 to 60 locals gathered
near the canteen and staged a protest demonstration condemning the
incident, besides demanding action against the culprits.
Senior AIADMK leader and Former Minister D Jayakaumar condemned
the act and demanded strict action against those involved in ransacking
of the canteen that has been feeding tens and hundreds of people during
cyclone, floods and pandemic.
PMK Founder Dr S Ramadoss, whose party is an ally of the AIADMK, also
condemned the ransacking of the canteen and the portrait of Ms Jayalalithaa
and demanded stern action against the culprits.
In a tweet, he said it is natural that there will be some policy level changes
whenever there is change of guard. But, what people feared should not happen,
has now happened.
''People will not forgive such acts being indulged in by the DMKmen'', he added.
DMK MLA and former Mayor Ma Subramanian, who was re-elected to the Assembly
for a second term, said Chief Minister-in waiting M K Stalin immediately ordered
expulsion of the two DMK men for ransacking the canteen and initiate legal action
against them.
On the orders of Mr Stalin, the name board was re-installed, he said in a tweet,
tagged along with the video of the incident.
Aimed at providing quality food, the revolutionary Amma Canteen was launched by
Ms Jayalalithaa in 2013 that offer Idly at Re.one and pongal at Rs five for breakfast,
Sambar Rice, Curry Leaves rice and Lemon Rice (Rs 5 each) and Curd Rice (Rs 3)
for Lunch and two chapathis and dhal (Rs three) for dinner.
This model was replicated in several states and even abroad.
It was a huge hit as it came a boon for several migrant workers and it came in very
handy for poor and middle class people during the corona lockdown period.
The canteen has provided food at affordable rates to lakhs of people in the city and
districts.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, close to one crore people in the state benefited from
the Amma Canteens, which continued to function even as other restaurants and food
outlets were closed.
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