Tension gripped Tiruttani on Monday as members of the Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi (VCK) staged a vehement protest and set fire to an effigy of Aadhav Arjuna, the general secretary (election campaign) of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The demonstration followed Arjuna's contentious remarks during a party meeting, which sparked outrage among VCK supporters and their allies.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after Aadhav Arjuna claimed at an office-bearers' meet on Sunday that the VCK had merely 20 members. This statement was perceived as derogatory and dismissive by VCK cadres, who viewed it as an attempt to undermine their political significance. The remarks quickly circulated, fueling anger and leading to calls for action against the TVK leader.
Protest and Police Intervention
In response, VCK supporters gathered near the Tiruttani bus stand, where they raised loud slogans against Arjuna and demanded accountability for his comments. The protest escalated when participants burnt an effigy of the TVK leader, symbolizing their frustration and condemnation. Police personnel swiftly intervened at the scene to control the situation, detaining 15 party cadres in connection with the incident to prevent further unrest.
Clarification and Ongoing Tensions
Following the backlash, Aadhav Arjuna issued a clarification on the social media platform X, asserting that his remarks were taken out of context. He explained that he intended to highlight that within the VCK, only about 20 individuals were acting as agents of the DMK to obstruct power from reaching oppressed members of the party. However, this explanation did little to appease the protesters, who deemed the original comments offensive and disrespectful.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of political rivalries in the region, with tensions remaining high as both parties navigate the fallout. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure peace and order in Tiruttani, while the detained cadres await further legal proceedings.
