Tamil Nadu Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar justifies the arrest of DMK Vilathikulam MLA G.V. Markandayan

Tamil Nadu Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar said on Monday that DMK Vilathikulam MLA G.V. Markandayan was arrested because he spoke in “a defamatory and threatening manner” against Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.

Addressing journalists in Chennai, he said that under DMK rule, the Goondas Act was invoked against anyone who had posted opinions against the government on social media. “In this case, the MLA spoke in a threatening manner, saying that he would break hands. If someone speaks in this manner, legal action is bound to be taken. When the DMK was in power, how many people were booked under the Goondas Act for a single tweet? If an MLA goes to the extent of issuing a death threat to the Chief Minister, it is definitely a law and order issue. If members of the public or our party members hear this, won’t it lead to a scuffle,” he asked.

Mr. Nirmalkumar alleged that when the DMK was in power, no one had issued death threats to the Chief Minister or spoken about breaking hands and legs; yet the Goondas Act was invoked even for mere criticism of the Chief Minister. He added that the police had acted in this case in accordance with regulations.

The Minister said that the ruling TVK continued to oppose the NEET, but it was up to the Central government to abolish it. He said the lapses recurring every year highlighted the poor administration of the test. 

Asked about the charges of horse-trading, he said the TVK did not bargain with anyone and those MLAs (of the AIADMK) had voluntarily resigned from their Assembly membership. However, he claimed to have evidence to substantiate the charge that ₹40 crore-₹50 crore was offered to TVK MLAs.

As for the complaints from many consumers about high electricity bills, Mr. Nirmalkumar said orders had been issued to re-read the meters. He pointed out that as against the requirement of 5,500 assessors, only 800 were available. If any excess amount was charged, it would be deducted in the subsequent months.