DMK MLA G V Markandeyan arrested over remarks against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

Chennai: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MLA G R Markendiyan was on Monday arrested over his alleged defamatory and threatening remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.Police registered an FIR against Markendiyan under Sections 351(3) (aggravated criminal intimidation), 352 (intentional insult intended to provoke a breach of peace), and 353(2) (statements or false information promoting enmity, hatred, or ill will among groups) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to India Today.DMK condemns the arrestDMK MP Kanimozhi strongly condemned the arrest, alleging that the ruling TVK government was misusing the police to target opposition leaders.விளாத்திகுளம் சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர் திரு. @mlavilathikulam அவர்களை அராஜகமான முறையில் கைது செய்திருக்கும் தவெக அரசின் செயல் வன்மையாகக் கண்டிக்கதக்கது.விமர்சனங்களை எதிர்கொள்ள முடியாமல் தொடர்ந்து திமுகவினர் மீது காவல்துறையை ஏவி அடக்கிடப் பார்க்கும் தவெக அரசுக்கு ஜனநாயக வழியில் தக்க…— Kanimozhi (கனிமொழி) (@KanimozhiDMK) July 20, 2026 "The act of the TVK government, which has arrested Mr. @mlavilathikulam, the MLA of Vilathikulam, in a barbaric manner, is strongly condemnable. Unable to face criticisms, the TVK government, which continues to sic the police on DMK members to suppress them, will be taught a fitting lesson through democratic means. Markendiyan must be released immediately."DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan Arrested Over Alleged Defamatory Remarks Against CM Vijay; Stalin Slams TVK Chief - VIDEOThe action comes after a complaint alleged that he made defamatory and threatening remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during a recent public meeting.After the arrest, DMK supporters staged a protest and raised slogans condemning the arrest.The three-time MLA was taken into custody by police from his residence in Thoothukudi district and was later formally arrested, according to India Today. The lawmaker is being questioned at the Tuticorin SP office.Complaint over public speechThe row stems from a complaint filed by a functionary of the TVK, who alleged that the MLA made derogatory and threatening remarks against the Chief Minister while addressing a public gathering in Kovilpatti on July 18.During a public meeting, Markendiyan responded to the Chief Minister's remarks about his "search for father", which were widely seen as a veiled dig at former CM and DMK chief M K Stalin after the poll defeat from the Kolathur seat."In the Assembly, the Chief Minister says he is searching for the father. Shameless Chief Minister. We will take care of you in the Assembly. He says he will lock the doors of the Assembly. If he locks them, his bones will be crushed. Let him lock the Assembly and see," Markendiyan allegedly said during his speech.Earlier arrest of DMK MLAEarlier this month, Tiruchendur DMK MLA Anitha Radhakrishnan was also arrested in connection with remarks against CM Vijay. He was later released on bail the same day.

The controversy stems from a public meeting held on July 18, where Markendiyan responded to the Chief Minister's remarks about his "search for father".

Markandayan is the second DMK legislator to be arrested for making allegedly offensive remarks about the chief minister since the TVK government came to power.

The opposition DMK's Vilathikulam MLA, G V Markandeyan, was arrested on Monday for making defamatory speech against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay.

DMK alleged that the arrest reflected the government's intolerance of criticism and an attempt to suppress democratic rights, including freedom of expression.

Vilathikulam DMK MLA GV Markandeyan was arrested by police after allegedly making threatening and controversial remarks against Tamil Nadu chief minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. His supporters protested the arrest, while police detained him, questioned him, and planned to produce him before a court, triggering political reactions.