Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President Manickam Tagore has criticized DMK MLA Anitha R. Radhakrishnan for making defamatory comments about Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Radhakrishnan, a senior DMK leader, was arrested by Thoothukudi police after the Madras High Court denied his anticipatory bail plea. The case arose from Radhakrishnan’s speech at a public gathering where he allegedly insulted Chief Minister Vijay.
Radhakrishnan, an MLA from Tiruchendur, was taken into custody while visiting Attur, about 23 km from Thoothukudi. He was later questioned by authorities and underwent a medical examination at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital. The charges against Radhakrishnan include intentional insult to provoke breach of peace and statements causing public mischief, based on a complaint by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
TNCC President Tagore emphasized the need for political leaders to maintain decorum in their public statements. He highlighted that Radhakrishnan seemed to have forgotten the changed political landscape post the 2026 Assembly elections. Tagore urged opposition members to exercise restraint and avoid making disrespectful remarks. The Madras High Court, while rejecting Radhakrishnan’s bail plea, remarked that an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly should refrain from such statements.
During Radhakrishnan’s court appearance, a dispute arose between the prosecution and defence regarding the circumstances of his arrest. The defence argued that the arrest was unnecessary as Radhakrishnan had agreed to appear for questioning on July 10. However, the government contended that the arrest was preemptive due to potential law and order concerns. Ultimately, Radhakrishnan was granted bail by Judge Chidambaram after a thorough hearing.
