Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy, on Sunday, instructed the police officials and Collectors to take action against those who distribute food or essential supplies. This instruction was given fearing an increase in the number of coronavirus cases. The CM also added that the donors can hand over the supplies to collectors, corporation commissioners, or special officers, rather than stepping out by themselves.
The state government also released a statement which said that anybody found violating this order shall be treated as violating the prohibitory orders under section 144, which is enforced in the state.
However, this action was slammed by DMK as MK Stalin said, "The AIADMK is a government with no compassion. It's autocratic to say don’t help. This is a democratic country. The crowd can be regulated, how can you order that none can be helped? No one can stop when Tamils extend a helping hand to feed the poor and hungry. It is cheating. Neither do you help, nor you allow others to help.”
On Sunday, MK Stalin also took to Twitter to post his party’s drive towards distributing food and essentials to those in need, before the announcement was made by the CM.
Actor turned politician Kamal Hassan has also tweeted in response to this order. It read, “The neighbouring states in the south are seeking the help of NGOs, youth and retired doctors. Unfortunate that my TN government has passed an order impeding help from the willing and earnest. Oh Respected Ministers, no time for commission or omission. Let trained civil service personnel do their job. Stay safe. No time for brownie points.”
