Several DMK cadres were detained during protests across Tamil Nadu following the arrest of Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin. The protests began outside the Madras High Court, where demonstrators voiced opposition to the arrest, which stemmed from allegations of “derogatory” remarks made against Chief Minister Vijay and actor Trisha.
Demonstrations involving DMK protesters occurred in multiple locations across the state. Former Tamil Nadu minister P Geetha Jeevan and several party workers were detained near the old bus stand in Thoothukudi during a road blockade protest. Geetha Jeevan described the arrest as political vendetta after Udhayanidhi Stalin was taken into custody by Thanjavur East Police. He was booked under various legal provisions, including sections 61, 79, 192, 196, 296(b), 351(2), 352 of BNS, Section 4 of the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, and Section 67 of the IT Act.Leading the protest, Geetha Jeevan stated, “Unable to answer the DMK’s questions and debate in the Legislative Assembly, the TVK government has arrested Opposition Leader Udhayanidhi Stalin out of political vendetta. This action is strongly condemnable. The TVK government continuously suppresses democratic protests and stifles the voice of the people. The DMK will never bow down to such oppression.”
In Ranipet district near the Muthukadai Bus Stand, former minister R Gandhi led DMK workers in another protest. The demonstrators alleged that the ruling TVK government had registered a case against Udhayanidhi Stalin and arrested him with vindictive political motives. They raised slogans against the government and demanded his immediate release. A brief scuffle ensued as police moved to detain the protesters, who were then taken into custody.