'Tamil Nadu has never had such a bad Chief Minister'; DMK MLA arrested over controversial speech against Vijay

CHENNAI: DMK MLA Markandeyan, who represents the Vilathikulam Assembly constituency, has been arrested by police over his controversial speech against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay. A team from the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch reached the MLA's residence early on Monday morning and arrested him.

The controversy stems from a DMK public meeting held in Kovilpatti two days ago to thank voters. During his speech, Markandeyan strongly criticised the Chief Minister and made remarks that were widely seen as threatening, sparking a political row.

Following the speech, Balasubramanian, the North District Secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Thoothukudi, filed a complaint with the District Crime Branch. Based on the complaint, police registered a case and arrested the MLA. DMK workers and supporters tried to prevent the arrest, leading to brief tense scenes outside the MLA's residence. Police later dispersed the crowd and took Markandeyan to the Thoothukudi District Superintendent of Police's office.

During his speech, Markandeyan claimed that Tamil Nadu had "never had such a bad Chief Minister" and also made controversial remarks about Vijay in connection with the Karur stampede tragedy.

He also criticised Vijay's recent remarks in the Assembly, in which the Chief Minister reportedly told Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin, "I am looking for your father." Markandeyan said he had never heard such a statement in any legislature and questioned whether the Chief Minister considered the opposition to be "clowns." He also challenged Vijay, saying the rest would be settled in the Assembly.