Former Tamil Nadu Minister D. Jayakumar and over 50 AIADMK members were arrested by the police for attempting to hold a protest in violation of restrictions. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) has strongly condemned the arrests.The protest was organized in Thirukazhukundram, Chengalpattu district, in response to an attack on the AIADMK Peruratchi (Municipal) Secretary. Party members had planned a demonstration today to condemn the incident. As part of the protest, AIADMK members engaged in a road blockade, with former minister Jayakumar leading the agitation.
Police intervened and arrested Jayakumar along with over 50 party members, citing a violation of prohibitory orders. The arrests created a tense situation in the area.
Following the arrests, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) issued a strong statement condemning the ruling DMK government, accusing it of suppressing opposition voices.
In his statement, EPS alleged that the DMK government, led by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, is afraid of criticism and is more focused on silencing the opposition rather than governing effectively.
“The Stalin-led fascist government is terrified of the people’s awareness of its failures. Instead of ensuring good governance, it is obsessed with suppressing the oppositionâs voice,” said EPS.
He further criticized the governmentâs preemptive arrests of AIADMK district leaders and legislators before the protest, calling it an act of cowardice.
“It is well known that the DMK government trembles at the mere mention of AIADMK. However, arresting party organizers, district secretaries, and even MLAs before the protest is the height of cowardice,” EPS stated.
He demanded the immediate release of all AIADMK functionaries and supporters arrested during the protest.
The incident has intensified the ongoing political tension between Tamil Naduâs ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK, with the latter accusing the government of political oppression and curbing democratic rights.