Chennai, 15 August (H.S.) : BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan has thrown down the gauntlet to VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, challenging him to declare that his party would withdraw from the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance if the State government fails to address the demands of protesting sanitation workers. The challenge comes amid growing discontent over the government's handling of the issue, with Tamilisai asserting that the ongoing protest reflects widespread dissatisfaction.

The sanitation workers have been protesting for over a week, demanding better working conditions and opposing the privatization of solid waste management in Chennai. The protest has garnered support from various political parties, including the BJP, which has been vocal in its criticism of the DMK government's policies.

Tamilisai's challenge to Thirumavalavan is seen as a test of the VCK leader's commitment to the alliance. She also questioned Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's stance on state autonomy, citing projects such as the Thoothukudi airport expansion and Chennai airport expansion, which are being implemented with central funding. Tamilisai alleged that the Prime Minister is more interested in Tamil Nadu's development than the Chief Minister.

Tamilisai's remarks have sparked speculation about the future of the DMK alliance. The BJP leader has previously predicted that the DMK alliance will break up, and her latest challenge to Thirumavalavan has added fuel to the fire. As the protest continues, the opposition parties are likely to maintain pressure on the government, potentially leading to further tensions within the alliance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary