DMK MLA Markandeyan Arrested Over Alleged Threat Against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay

Published 20 July 2026 · politics

DMK MLA Markandeyan Arrested Over Alleged Threat Against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 10:05 IST DMK alleged that the

DMK MLA Markandeyan Arrested Over Alleged Threat Against Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Published By, Last Updated: July 20, 2026, 10:05 IST DMK alleged that the arrest reflected the government's intolerance of criticism and an attempt to suppress democratic rights, including freedom of expression. Police arrived at Markandeyan's residence in Vilathikulam early in the morning and took him into custody. The Tamil Nadu police arrested DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan on Monday over an alleged threat against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. Police arrived at Markandeyan’s residence in Vilathikulam early in the morning and took him into custody. Supporters gathered outside the residence, raised slogans and attempted to block the police vehicle before being removed by police personnel. According to officials, the MLA was taken to the office of the superintendent of police for questioning and was expected to be produced before a court later in the day.

The arrest is linked to remarks allegedly made by Markandeyan against Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. Videos of the speech have been circulating on social media and have sparked controversy. The DMK strongly condemned the arrest, calling it an act of political vendetta and accusing the government of targeting opposition leaders. In a statement, the party said Markandeyan, a three-time MLA and senior DMK leader, had been arrested in an arbitrary manner despite his long public service and strong support in his constituency. The party alleged that the arrest reflected the government’s intolerance of criticism and an attempt to suppress democratic rights, including freedom of expression. “The government is using police action to intimidate opposition leaders and silence dissent," the DMK said, adding that the move was politically motivated. The party also questioned what it described as selective action by the authorities, asking why action had not been taken in other cases involving ruling party legislators while opposition leaders were allegedly being targeted.

Demanding the immediate release of Markandeyan, the DMK said it would continue its “democratic struggle" against what it termed politically motivated action. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the specific charges against MLA Markandeyan? DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan was arrested on Monday for allegedly making defamatory remarks and a threat against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti. The arrest followed a complaint from a ruling TVK functionary. Could this arrest impact upcoming Tamil Nadu elections? The arrest of DMK MLA G.V. Markandeyan on Monday for an alleged threat against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay could impact upcoming elections. The DMK has condemned the arrest as political vendetta and an attempt to suppress democratic rights. Separately, DMK MLA Anitha R.