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

July 20, 2026

Kovilpatti, Tamil Nadu: A political controversy erupted in Tamil Nadu after Vilathikulam DMK MLA Markandeyan was arrested in the early hours of Monday for allegedly making threatening remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during a public meeting in Kovilpatti.

The arrest followed videos of his speech going viral on social media, triggering criticism and demands for legal action.

MLA allegedly made threatening remarks at public meeting

Kovilpatti, July 20: The DMK MLA was arrested after a party public meeting held on Sunday night at Krishnan Kovil Grounds in Kovilpatti, where he allegedly made controversial remarks against the Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by several DMK functionaries, including party union secretaries and local leaders. During his speech, Markandeyan criticised CM Vijay over recent political developments and the functioning of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

According to reports, the MLA allegedly made remarks warning the Chief Minister that if the Assembly was convened, “your bones will not remain intact”, and further claimed that DMK legislators would “break your bones and send you back”.

The comments triggered a political backlash, with critics accusing him of using inflammatory language against a constitutional office-holder.

Police arrest MLA from residence after complaints

Following complaints over the alleged remarks, police arrested Markandeyan from his residence in Vilathikulam during the early hours of Monday.

He was taken into custody and brought for questioning as part of the investigation. Police officials said the MLA was taken to the Superintendent of Police’s office for further inquiry.

The legislator is expected to be produced before a court after the completion of the preliminary investigation.

Supporters protest MLA’s arrest

The arrest led to protests by Markandeyan’s supporters, who gathered outside his residence and raised slogans against the police action.

Some protesters also attempted to block the police vehicle carrying the MLA. Police later dispersed the crowd and cleared the road before taking him away.

The incident has intensified the political face-off in Tamil Nadu, with the investigation into the matter continuing.