DMK president M.K. Stalin, in a statement issued in Chennai, alleged that the ruling TVK government misused executive power during the Dharapuram by-election.
He condemned the arrest of Naam Tamilar Katchi candidate Karthika in connection with a case linked to the bypoll, calling it an act that reflects intolerance and a lack of democratic spirit. Stalin also criticised the detention and harassment of NTK functionaries who questioned the government’s conduct.
Stalin warned that police officers making arrests in cases that are ordinarily bailable could face judicial censure, and urged the police not to become instruments of political vendetta.
He further alleged that the arrests were aimed at diverting attention from the arrest of a TVK functionary and associates in a drug-smuggling case and to conceal administrative failures. He also claimed that those accused of issuing death threats to journalists and aiding a gang sexual assault were moving freely.
Stalin demanded the unconditional release of Karthika and her party colleagues, and accused both the BJP in Delhi and the TVK in Tamil Nadu of competing in protecting offenders while targeting those who protest.
