Chennai witnessed growing anger and unrest as over 200 sanitation workers were detained by the police during a protest demanding job regularisation. The incident has added fuel to the already mounting criticism against the DMK government, which is being accused of ignoring the concerns of the working class. Many social activists and opposition parties are now terming this as another example of administrative arrogance under the ruling DMK — a sign of the DMK fall in public trust. The detained workers, previously employed under the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) through the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), were protesting near the zonal offices in Royapuram and Thiru.Vi.Ka Nagar. Their demand was simple — job security and fair wages. However, instead of dialogue, they faced police action. The protesters were led by members of the Uzhaippor Urimai Iyakkam (UUI), who said that the workers were only asking for their rightful employment after months of uncertainty.

Since August, these sanitation workers have been opposing the privatisation of solid waste management in their zones. According to them, the DMK government’s decision to hand over operations to private firms has left many without work and families without income. They submitted a petition stating their willingness to work, even without pay, to prevent public health crises like water stagnation during the monsoon. Yet, their plea fell on deaf ears. “This government only talks about welfare but refuses to hear the cries of the poor,” said a UUI member, adding that the workers would not surrender to private contractors. Political analysts say this episode highlights growing dissatisfaction with the DMK’s governance model. Critics argue that instead of empowering workers, the administration is favouring corporates through outsourcing and privatisation. “This is not social justice — it’s social betrayal,” said a political observer, pointing to the party’s weakening connection with grassroots workers. Many believe such events are early indicators of the DMK fall that may soon become visible in public sentiment.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have taken to social media with the hashtag “byebyestalin”, condemning the government’s mishandling of the issue. They accuse Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of turning a blind eye to the plight of sanitation workers while promoting grand announcements that benefit only a few. “When the people who keep the city clean are treated like criminals, it’s a clear sign that this regime has lost its moral ground,” an opposition spokesperson said. The detained workers were released later in the evening, but their protest continues to resonate across Chennai. As they vow to intensify their movement, the pressure mounts on the DMK to respond with empathy rather than enforcement. What began as a workers’ demand for regularisation may soon evolve into a larger political statement — one that reflects public frustration and signals a shift in the state’s political climate. If such incidents persist, the chorus of “Byebyestalin” may echo louder across Tamil Nadu.