DMK Leaders A Raja, Sekar Babu Booked for Defamatory Remarks Against TN CM Vijay

Tamil Nadu Police have registered cases against senior Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leaders A. Raja and P. K. Sekar Babu over alleged defamatory and derogatory remarks against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay during recent party protests.

The cases come amid an escalating political confrontation between the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the opposition DMK. The controversy intensified after Vijay made remarks in the Tamil Nadu Assembly concerning DMK president M. K. Stalin and his detention under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) during the Emergency.

Cases Registered Against A. Raja and Sekar Babu

Greater Chennai Police registered separate cases against A. Raja and P. K. Sekar Babu following complaints over statements made during DMK demonstrations on September 12.

A. Raja, who is a DMK deputy general secretary and Lok Sabha MP, was booked at Saidapet police station. Sekar Babu, a former state minister and Harbour MLA, faces a separate case at B1 North Beach Police Station.

Police action followed complaints alleging that the leaders used objectionable language against the Chief Minister and other members of the state government.

Controversial Remarks During DMK Protests

The DMK organised statewide protests to condemn Vijay's remarks in the Assembly targeting senior DMK leaders, including M. K. Stalin.

During a protest in Saidapet, Raja launched a strong attack on the Chief Minister and Law Minister C. T. Nirmal Kumar. His remarks reportedly included personal comments that drew criticism from political leaders, including people within the broader opposition camp.

Raja later expressed regret over one of his controversial remarks, saying it was made in an emotional moment and withdrawing the statement.

Sekar Babu Also Faces Police Case

P. K. Sekar Babu was booked over remarks made during another DMK protest near the Chennai Collectorate.

According to reports, Sekar Babu used derogatory language while attacking Chief Minister Vijay and criticised his conduct during the political controversy surrounding the 2025 Karur stampede.

The case against Sekar Babu was registered under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), according to police and media reports.

Background to the Political Dispute

The latest confrontation began after Chief Minister Vijay made remarks during the Tamil Nadu Assembly on September 7.

His comments focused on the DMK's political record and M. K. Stalin's detention during the Emergency. The remarks triggered strong protests from DMK legislators, who objected to the language used against the party leadership.

The DMK subsequently organised demonstrations across Tamil Nadu on September 12, with senior party leaders participating in the protests.

Dispute Over Stalin's MISA Detention

One of the central issues in the dispute is Stalin's detention under MISA during the 1975-77 Emergency.

DMK leaders strongly objected to questions raised by the ruling side about the circumstances of Stalin's detention. A. Raja defended the party president's account of his imprisonment and criticised the government for questioning what the DMK considers an important part of Stalin's political history.

The issue has since become part of a wider political battle between the DMK and TVK.

Criticism From Within the Political Opposition

The remarks made during the protests have also attracted criticism from outside the ruling TVK.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi reportedly posted a Thirukkural couplet about controlling one's speech, which was widely interpreted as criticism of Raja's language.

VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan also criticised some DMK leaders for crossing the limits of decency in political speeches, arguing that political opponents could be challenged without resorting to abusive language.

More Than 200 DMK Functionaries Previously Booked

The latest cases come shortly after police booked more than 200 DMK functionaries over a September 12 protest in Chennai that allegedly took place without the required permission.

Those booked included senior DMK leaders such as A. Raja, P. K. Sekar Babu, former ministers and other party functionaries. Police initially registered a case relating to unlawful assembly and said further investigation would determine whether additional provisions were required.

Political Tensions Rise Ahead of Future Elections

The dispute highlights the increasingly confrontational relationship between the DMK and TVK.

With Vijay now leading the TVK government and the DMK serving as the principal opposition force, exchanges between the two parties have become increasingly sharp.

The police cases against senior DMK leaders are likely to add another layer to the ongoing political confrontation in Tamil Nadu.

What Happens Next?

The police are expected to investigate the complaints and statements attributed to A. Raja and P. K. Sekar Babu. The cases could lead to further political exchanges between the DMK and the ruling TVK.

For the DMK, the controversy has also raised questions about maintaining political criticism without crossing legal or personal boundaries. Meanwhile, the ruling side is likely to continue defending its decision to act on complaints over allegedly defamatory remarks.

The latest developments underline the growing political tension in Tamil Nadu as the DMK and TVK prepare for an increasingly competitive political environment.