DMK MLA GV Markandeyan Arrested: Threat to CM Vijay Sparks Storm

1. The Kovilpatti Meeting: Derogatory Words and Threatening Remarks

Vilathikulam DMK MLA G.V. Markandayan was arrested on Monday (20 July 2026) for allegedly making derogatory and threatening remarks against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay (popularly known as actor Vijay).

On 18 July 2026, Markandayan spoke at a DMK public meeting in Kovilpatti (Thoothukudi district) organised to thank voters after the Assembly elections. In his speech, he allegedly referred to Chief Minister Vijay as “shameless” and made a threatening statement.

According to the police complaint and media reports, he said words to the effect of:

“Shameless Chief Minister… If he locks the Assembly doors, his bones will be crushed. Let him lock the Assembly and see.”

A video of the speech went viral on social media, drawing severe backlash from TVK cadres and functionaries.

2. Police Action, BNS Bookings, and Court Remand

On 19 July, a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary lodged a formal complaint with the Thoothukudi District Crime Branch police. Acting swiftly, on the morning of 20 July, the police arrested Markandayan from his residence in Vilathikulam.

He was subsequently brought to the Superintendent of Police office in Thoothukudi, where investigators questioned him for several hours. The MLA was booked under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to criminal intimidation, intentional insult, and statements conducing to public mischief. Following his questioning, he was produced before a local court, which remanded him to 15 days of judicial custody.

3. Political Confrontation: Kanimozhi Condemns TVK Action

DMK MP Kanimozhi strongly condemned the arrest, alleging that the ruling TVK government was misusing the police to target opposition leaders while turning a blind eye to cases against its own members.

Other senior DMK leaders echoed this criticism, describing the arrest as high-handed and selective. The incident has further intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling TVK (led by Chief Minister Vijay) and the opposition DMK in Tamil Nadu, signaling a highly polarized legislative session ahead.

4. Verification & Source Media Outlets

This report is based on official police action details and reporting by The Hindu, NDTV, Deccan Herald, and other established media outlets (20–21 July 2026). The alleged remarks are taken from the police complaint and circulating video clips as reported by these sources. No speculative claims have been added to ensure the report meets strict journalistic guidelines.