CHENNAI: Tensions flared in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur on Tuesday as DMK workers threw slippers at police personnel and burnt an effigy while protesting the detention of Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin.TVK cadres also staged a protest nearby, leading to a charged political atmosphere in the area.Hundreds of DMK cadres took to the streets across Thanjavur to condemn Udhayanidhi’s detention, burning an effigy and raising slogans against chief minister C Joseph Vijay.Several shops remained shut fearing violence, while traffic was disrupted as protesters blocked roads and Thanjavur Police diverted vehicles by closing some routes.The protest erupted after Udhayanidhi was detained by Chennai Police following the registration of an FIR against him over his alleged derogatory remarks targeting Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay and actor Trisha during a public meeting on the Cauvery water dispute.Visuals from Thanjavur showed agitated DMK workers hurling slippers at police personnel, setting an effigy on fire and raising slogans against the police action.TVK cadres simultaneously staged a demonstration nearby.The detention came after Udhayanidhi moved the Madras high court seeking anticipatory bail, apprehending arrest in the case.The high court agreed to hear his urgent plea and orally directed police not to precipitate the matter until the petition was taken up.The controversy stems from a speech delivered by Udhayanidhi at a DMK rally in Thanjavur, where opposition leaders alleged that a remark made while responding to slogans from party workers was an indirect reference to actor Trisha.Based on a complaint filed by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Thanjavur police registered an FIR against the DMK leader under multiple sections, including charges related to promoting enmity, provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act.The latest protests add another flashpoint to the political row, with both the DMK and TVK taking to the streets over the controversy.
