Police have registered cases against three DMK leaders—former Union minister A. Raja, and DMK MLAs Sekar Babu and Vasantham Karthikeyan—over alleged derogatory remarks about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay and ministers during party protests.
The action followed a complaint filed by TVK functionaries, who alleged that the speeches were insulting, used obscene language and could provoke violence. The protests were held across Tamil Nadu on September 12, condemning remarks made by CM Vijay in the Assembly earlier this month.
On September 7, while replying to the debate on police grants in the Assembly, CM Vijay referred to the Sarkaria Commission, an Enforcement Directorate report and arrests under the MISA law, and sharply criticised former chief ministers Karunanidhi and Stalin, as well as Opposition leader Udhayanidhi. DMK members later alleged that Vijay’s body language while speaking about Stalin’s MISA-era arrest was disrespectful.
During the Saidaipet protest in Chennai, A. Raja made strong comments criticising the Chief Minister. Separately, speeches by Sekar Babu near the Chennai Collectorate and by Vasantham Karthikeyan at a protest in Kallakurichi also triggered controversy.
Police said cases were filed under multiple sections: Saidaipet police booked A. Raja under seven sections; North Beach police registered a case against Sekar Babu under six sections including alleged obscenity and incitement; and Tiruppapuliyur police in Cuddalore booked Vasantham Karthikeyan under four sections, including alleged insult and disturbance to public peace. After condemnation from various political leaders, A. Raja announced he was withdrawing his remarks.
