Srinivasapuram Fishermen Protest DMK Candidate with Black Flags Over Unfulfilled Promises

Residents of Srinivasapuram, a fishing hamlet in Chennai, staged a significant protest against Dha Velu, the DMK candidate for the Mylapore constituency, during his vote canvassing campaign. Demonstrators waved black flags and wore black masks at the Amma temple entrance to express their deep dissatisfaction with the ruling party. The primary grievance involves the alleged failure of the DMK government to fulfill its 2021 election manifesto promise regarding housing construction for fishermen. Additionally, protesters demanded the return of village lands currently occupied by housing board colonies for government employees. Community leaders criticized the administration for harassing locals and encroaching on beachfront areas for projects like the Blue Flag beaches and Marina Loop beautification. While candidate Velu defended the government's record, stating that houses were constructed and more would be built, community representatives argued that traditional honors were withheld due to broken promises. Leaders warned that this dissent is spreading across 38 constituencies, indicating a broader mobilization of the fishing community against political parties that fail to deliver on their commitments. The incident highlights growing tension between coastal communities and state development initiatives in Tamil Nadu.