Was part of a massive public protest in Chennai against the draconian beef regulations by Centre which endanger the right to food choice....

DMK working president M.K. Stalin led a massive public demonstration in Chennai on May 31, 2017, protesting the central government's controversial notification imposing stringent restrictions on livestock markets and cattle slaughter. Addressing the huge assembly of party cadres, trade representatives, and citizens, Stalin asserted that the central rules represented an authoritarian intrusion into the personal lives and fundamental dietary rights of Indian citizens.

Stalin highlighted the devastating consequences of the central notification on farmers, livestock rearers, leather workers, and small meat vendors across Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that the cattle economy supports millions of rural households who depend on livestock transactions during drought distress. By unilaterally banning the sale of cattle for slaughter in animal markets, the central government disrupted agricultural trade and infringed upon state legislative powers governing agriculture and markets.

The opposition leader stated that dietary choices belong strictly within the realm of individual personal liberty and cannot be dictated by federal diktats. He demanded the immediate withdrawal of the notification to protect rural livelihoods and democratic pluralism. Stalin reiterated that the DMK would continue to mobilize nationwide political alliances to defend state autonomy and constitutional rights against overreaching central regulations.