Cuddalore(Tamil Nadu): The eve of the Assembly election campaign in Tamil Nadu witnessed fresh political tensions after alleged members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), an ally of the DMK, were accused of attacking ABVP karyakarthas during a voter awareness programme in Cuddalore.
Union Minister L. Murugan strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a “murderous attack,” and demanded immediate arrests of those involved.
The incident took place on April 8 during a public meeting organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) under the banner “Students’ Voice for Change,” aimed at promoting 100 percent voter participation in the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 23.
According to Murugan, the event was proceeding peacefully when VCK cadres allegedly barged into the venue and began throwing chairs towards the stage. He claimed that the attackers then advanced towards the dais with “murderous intent,” creating panic among attendees.
ABVP functionaries alleged that the disruption occurred while the organisation’s Dakshin Tamil Nadu Secretary was addressing the gathering. They claimed that the VCK cadres entered the venue in an inebriated state, issued threats, and used abusive and obscene language against workers.
The ABVP further alleged that their Central Working Committee member, Ms. Vedanchali, was verbally abused and publicly insulted during the incident.
“Such behaviour is unacceptable and reflects intolerance towards democratic engagement,” an ABVP functionary said.
Taking to social media platform X, Murugan said, “Everyone has the right to express their views in a democratic nation. This attack shows zero tolerance for democratic values. I strongly condemn this cowardly act and demand immediate action against those responsible.”
The incident has also raised concerns among other organisations. Hindu Munnani state president Kadeswara Subramaniam questioned whether free and fair elections could be ensured in such an atmosphere. He alleged that the attackers engaged in intimidation, hurled chairs, and openly threatened ABVP workers, while police present at the venue failed to intervene effectively.
He further claimed that such incidents reflect a broader pattern of political violence in the state and expressed apprehensions about the neutrality of the administrative machinery during the election period.
Subramaniam also pointed to past incidents involving alleged threats to journalists and media personnel, raising concerns about press freedom and law enforcement response in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, ABVP’s Cuddalore district convenor Kabilan has filed a police complaint. An FIR has been registered against VCK members, but no arrests had been made at the time of reporting.
The incident has added to the charged political atmosphere in the state ahead of the Assembly polls, with opposition groups accusing ruling alliance partners of intimidation tactics, while authorities are yet to respond in detail.
