Leader of the Opposition and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami has strongly criticised the ruling DMK government for its handling of protests by intermediate school teachers and alleged wrongful detentions, asserting that the state must take responsibility for what he described as illegal and punitive actions against educators.
In a social media statement, Palaniswami said the teachers, who have been campaigning for equal pay and fulfilment of election promise No. 311, have been protesting for the past 17 days. He alleged that eight state union leaders, including Robert, Rex Anandhakumar and Kannan, were placed under house arrest since early morning and had their mobile phones confiscated, effectively restricting their basic rights. Palaniswami demanded their immediate release, calling the situation “condemnable and unacceptable.”
He accused the Stalin‑led DMK government of using heavy‑handed tactics to suppress peaceful protests, asserting that even minor discomforts faced by those under unofficial detention are the government’s responsibility. The opposition leader criticised what he termed “a puppet chief minister” unable to handle dissent without resorting to punitive measures, and insisted that the arrests were meant to intimidate teachers advocating for justice.
Palaniswami’s remarks add to ongoing political tensions in Tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, where the opposition has repeatedly accused the DMK of failing to honour promises and governing in a manner that curtails democratic expression.