The Tamil Nadu police arrested DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan on Monday over an alleged threat against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. Police arrived at Markandeyan’s
residence in Vilathikulam early in the morning and took him into custody. Supporters gathered outside the residence, raised slogans and attempted to block the police vehicle before being removed by police personnel.
According to officials, the MLA was taken to the office of the superintendent of police for questioning and was expected to be produced before a court later in the day.
The arrest is linked to remarks allegedly made by Markandeyan against Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. Videos of the speech have been circulating on social media and have sparked controversy.
The DMK strongly condemned the arrest, calling it an act of political vendetta and accusing the government of targeting opposition leaders. In a statement, the party said Markandeyan, a three-time MLA and senior DMK leader, had been arrested in an arbitrary manner despite his long public service and strong support in his constituency.
The party alleged that the arrest reflected the government’s intolerance of criticism and an attempt to suppress democratic rights, including freedom of expression.
“The government is using police action to intimidate opposition leaders and silence dissent,” the DMK said, adding that the move was politically motivated.
The party also questioned what it described as selective action by the authorities, asking why action had not been taken in other cases involving ruling party legislators while opposition leaders were allegedly being targeted.
Demanding the immediate release of Markandeyan, the DMK said it would continue its “democratic struggle” against what it termed politically motivated action.
