CHENNAI: DMK President M K Stalin on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the TVK government, accusing chief minister Vijay of focusing on targeting critics instead of addressing people’s issues, and referred to him as a “reels creator” while criticising his handling of governance.In a strongly worded statement, Stalin said, “arrogance leads to destruction, and continuous arrogance will accelerate destruction”, while demanding the immediate release of all DMK cadres detained across Tamil Nadu, according to news agency PTI.The remarks came amid the controversy over the arrest of former deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in connection with his alleged controversial remarks during a DMK protest in Thanjavur over the Cauvery water dispute.Stalin alleged that police “arrogantly” took Udhayanidhi into custody from his Chennai residence and brought him to Thanjavur under non-bailable charges, claiming the move was aimed at preventing him from attending the upcoming Assembly budget session.Targeting chief minister Vijay, Stalin said the TVK government had been focused on arresting critics, including MLAs Anitha Radhakrishnan and Markandeyan, anti-NEET protesters, and farmers, instead of fulfilling electoral promises.Calling Vijay a “reels creator”, Stalin alleged that the chief minister had failed to address key issues such as the Cauvery water dispute and farmers’ concerns.The DMK chief also claimed that the government faced a setback in court after public outrage, forcing its lawyers to state that there was no intention to formally arrest Udhayanidhi Stalin.Stalin described the Madras high court’s order directing Udhayanidhi’s immediate release as a “blow to TVK’s fascist nature”.Defending Udhayanidhi’s protest speech, Stalin said the Leader of Opposition did not use obscene language or target anyone specifically, and urged political leaders to verify facts before making statements.The controversy began during Udhayanidhi Stalin’s August 3 protest in Thanjavur, where the DMK demanded steps to stop Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, complete loan waiver for farmers, and declaration of delta districts as drought-affected areas.During his speech, Udhayanidhi criticised the chief minister’s handling of the Cauvery issue. A section of the crowd interrupted him by chanting the name of actor Trisha, after which he allegedly made a double-meaning remark that triggered widespread criticism.Stalin demanded the immediate release of all DMK cadres arrested across the state, saying the large turnout at the Thanjavur protest reflected public anger against the government.
