Tamil Nadu police arrested DMK MLA G V Markandeyan on Monday for allegedly making threatening and inflammatory remarks against Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. Markandeyan, who represents the Vilathikulam Assembly constituency in Thoothukudi district, was taken into custody from his residence in Vilathikulam early Monday morning. The arrest followed the circulation of videos from the public meeting, in which the legislator was seen delivering a speech directed at the Chief Minister.
The remarks, which included references allegedly interpreted as threatening physical violence and personal attacks, quickly spread on social media and drew widespread criticism. The speech at the centre of the controversy went beyond political criticism, featuring language that allegedly threatened the CM with physical harm, questioned his conduct inside the Assembly and mocked him in personal terms. Police personnel arrived at the MLA’s residence in the morning and escorted him into custody.
Supporters gathered outside the house, raised slogans against the police action and briefly attempted to block the vehicle carrying him away. Police dispersed the protesters before taking Markandeyan to the office of the Superintendent of Police for questioning. Officials said he is expected to be produced before a court later in the day.
In the controversial speech, Markandeyan also criticised the government’s agricultural policies, particularly the criteria for farm loan waivers, accusing it of discriminating between small and large farmers while attacking the CM over election promises and welfare announcements.
