DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan Arrested Over Alleged Threat Against CM Vijay; Stalin Condemns Move

Police arrested DMK Vilathikulam MLA G.V. Markandeyan on the morning of July 20 from his residence, amid protests by his supporters, over remarks he made against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay at a DMK public meeting held the previous night at Krishnan Kovil Grounds in Kovilpatti, Thoothukudi district.

Addressing the gathering, which was presided over by MLA I. Karunanidhi, Markandeyan allegedly said the Chief Minister's "bones would be broken" in the Assembly, claimed Vijay had "fled to Karur to avoid arrest," and made further derogatory remarks, with police describing his tone as carrying a threatening connotation.

Following a complaint from TVK functionary P. Kasiram, police registered an FIR against Markandeyan under three sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita covering criminal intimidation, intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of public peace, and spreading false information, after video of the speech went viral and drew widespread criticism.

DMK president M.K. Stalin, who returned to Chennai from a two-week visit to London the same night, condemned the arrest, accusing the ruling TVK government of targeting opposition leaders and using arrests to divert attention from governance issues. DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan said the party would examine whether TVK leaders had made comparable remarks against DMK figures and pursue legal action if warranted.

The arrest is the latest in a series of police actions involving DMK legislators and former ministers since the TVK government took office in May 2026, further sharpening tensions between the ruling party and the principal opposition.