DMK MLA arrested over alleged remarks against CM Vijay; Stalin hits out at government

Chennai: DMK MLA and former Tamil Nadu minister Anitha R. Radhakrishnan was arrested on Friday after the Madras High Court refused to grant him anticipatory bail in a case linked to allegedly derogatory remarks made against Chief Minister Vijay during a public meeting in Thoothukudi district last month.

The arrest has triggered a fresh political confrontation between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government and the opposition DMK, with DMK president M.K. Stalin accusing the administration of using police action to divert attention from more serious issues facing the state.

The case stems from a speech delivered by Radhakrishnan at a public event held in Aathur on June 20.

Following the meeting, a complaint was filed by Selvam, a local functionary of the ruling TVK. Based on the complaint, police registered a case alleging that the Tiruchendur MLA had made defamatory remarks against Chief Minister Vijay.

Anticipating arrest, Radhakrishnan moved the Madras High Court seeking anticipatory bail. However, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan dismissed the plea on Friday, paving the way for police action.

Soon after the court order, police detained the senior DMK leader and took him into custody.

Visuals from the arrest showed police escorting Radhakrishnan to a police vehicle.

The arrest led to protests by DMK supporters and party cadres gathered at the location. Demonstrators raised slogans against the police and staged a brief road blockade, resulting in tense scenes in the area.

Police later took the MLA to the office of the District Superintendent of Police for further questioning.

In his anticipatory bail petition, the DMK legislator argued that his speech was part of a political meeting where he discussed public grievances and criticised the policies of the ruling government.

The petition stated that he had spoken about issues affecting the public and the welfare of the state in his capacity as an elected representative.

Stalin attacks government over arrest

Reacting strongly to the arrest, DMK president M.K. Stalin accused the Vijay-led government of pursuing a "diversionary" political strategy.

Questioning the urgency shown in arresting an opposition MLA, Stalin said Radhakrishnan had been engaged in constituency work and public service when he was taken into custody.

The former Chief Minister also alleged that the government had failed to act with similar speed in other serious cases, including complaints involving crimes against women. He argued that law enforcement priorities appeared misplaced at a time when the state was facing concerns over crime and public safety.

Stalin further contended that criticism of governments is a normal part of democratic politics and questioned whether all politicians making controversial remarks would face similar legal consequences.